Hagley Oval (Christchurch)

Capacity: 8000

Hagley Oval is situated in Christchurch city's Hagley Park and has been hosting cricket matches for over 150 years. The first-ever match at this venue took place way back in 1851. Hagley Oval has been the cornerstone of Canterbury's cricketing activity.

In the initial years, The Oval hosted several inter-provincial matches, as well as the occasional international match. As of today, this ground plays host to all grades of cricket including women’s internationals and under age.

Hagley Oval underwent redevelopment work that was subject of a long drawn out Environment Court battle. The opposition felt the improvements would alter the park's character. However in 2013, the authorities obtained the necessary approvals to build infrastructure for international cricket matches.

Hagley Oval became the eighth Test venue in New Zealand when the home side played Sri Lanka in 2014 Boxing Day Test. A sell-out crowd of 8000 at the new-look Hagley Oval watched the first Test in Christchurch after the unfortunate earthquake of 2011.

Despite limited space, the top of the embankment offers seating arrangements for full-size deck chairs. However, low beach chairs are allowed lower down on the embankment.

Hagley Oval's local heroes include the legendary Sir Richard Hadlee.