Seddon Park (Hamilton)

Capacity: 10,000

Seddon Park is situated on the edge of Hamilton’s CBD. It is managed by a unit of the Hamilton City Council and is at a walking distance from Victoria Street. Seddon Park is considered as one of world cricket's best boutique grounds.

The Park is home to Northern Districts Cricket Association and the Northern Knights. Recognised as one of the premier cricketing venues in New Zealand, Seddon Park hosts numerous international Tests, ODIs and T20s each season when touring sides play against the Black Caps.

This tree-lined ground is equipped with floodlights, hence this venue has witnessed plenty of day-night action in domestic and international cricket.

With grassy banks surrounding two-thirds of the playing area, Seddon Park has a distinct “village green” feel and has been rated as one of the 20 best Test cricket venues in the world by a popular cricket publication in 2012.

Last year, Seddon Park underwent redevelopment work that saw half the pitch re-laid with new clay. Also, a new drainage system was installed in the outfield and the pavilion was revamped with enhanced features, thereby improving facilities for players and match officials. As part of this redevelopment work, even the meeting rooms for community use were renovated.

The Park, first built for recreational use, is named after former New Zealand Prime Minister Richard Seddon. The venue was first used for cricket during the First Class season of 1956/57. However, spectators witnessed the first international match at Seddon Park only in 1981.

Designation of a Test cricket venue was bestowed upon Seddon Park 10 years ago in 1991 when New Zealand played Sri Lanka. Two matches of the 1992 Cricket World Cup were held at Seddon Park.