Okara Park
 | |
| Location | Northern Swords |
|---|---|
Okara Park, currently known commercially as Semenoff Stadium (previously known as Toll Stadium due to a sponsorship agreement) is a
The park has recently had a $16m redevelopment with the new grandstand known as the Northland Events Centre being built. The new development has turned Okara Park into a multi-purpose Northland sports hub.[1][2]
Despite Okara Park only having a capacity for 30,000 people at a stretch, there was a match of Rugby Union in 1979 where around 40,000 people crammed into the stadium thanks to its large embankment. The occasion for this record crowd was the defence by the local side, North Auckland, of the prized Ranfurly Shield against Auckland.
The stadium has held national games, including the
In 2010, Okara Park hosted a match of the
The stadium was used as a venue for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The stadium hosted two group stage matches, Tonga vs. Canada and Tonga vs. Japan.
On 1 November 2014, the stadium hosted its first rugby league international when New Zealand played Samoa as part of the 2014 Rugby League Four Nations. New Zealand won the match 14–12.
On 3 June 2017, the 2017 British & Irish Lions began their tour here with a 13–7 win against New Zealand Barbarians.
References
- ^ "Builders get ball rolling on Okara Park project". The Northern Advocate. 19 February 2009. Retrieved 12 March 2009.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Controversy as council revives Okara Park upgrade". The Northern Advocate. 14 May 2009. Retrieved 12 March 2009.[permanent dead link]
 | This article about a sports venue in New Zealand is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
 | This rugby union article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |