Gates open at Hamilton's Seddon Park

Cricket fans will get a chance for a ‘behind the scenes’ look at refurbishments to Seddon Park during Northern Districts’ Family Fun Day this weekend.

An annual event for the region’s major cricket association, the Family Fun Day also gives members of the public and junior cricket fans the opportunity to mix and mingle with members of the Sky City Northern Knights and Northern Spirit – including international players – and participate in a range of cricket activities.

Hamilton City Council has made significant recent investments in Seddon Park, working alongside stakeholder organisations to ensure the picturesque ground remains a key venue for international cricket in New Zealand.

Work on the ground also includes the construction of permanent broadcast infrastructure, with the costs being shared by Council, Sky TV and Northern Districts Cricket. 

Hamilton City Council Events and Economic Development General Manager Sean Murray explains “we’re fortunate to have such a fantastic facility in our city, and it’s important we look after it.

“In funding the upgrade of the ground, Council has worked closely with Northern Districts to ensure the best possible arrangement for both organisations, and a positive outcome for the city. This shows public-private partnerships can work.

“This work will also ensure the community use of the venue, allowing the indoor cricket school to stay intact and available for cricketers and coaches.”

Northern Districts’ Chief Executive Peter Roach adds “we would love to see as many people as possible come down on the day for a peek at the wonderful new facilities we have at Seddon Park. 

“The changes Council has made to the ground to keep it as the leading cricket facility in New Zealand, and also to open up the space for more public use, are fantastic and a great credit to the city.”

Seddon Park is home for Northern Districts Cricket and the grounds external perimeter provides 360 degree viewing and contoured grassy banks which are popular with the fans and provide an intimate atmosphere for all forms of cricket.

The Cricketer magazine voted Seddon Park among the 20 best venues in the world to watch the sport.

Seddon Park is set for one of the busiest summers in its history, including three fixtures during the 2015 Cricket World Cup, with a full list of events and matches for the venue to be found at www.seddonpark.com/events/calendar/ 

4th September 2014 - TWO COUNTRIES, ONE VISA FOR 2015 CRICKET WORLD CUP