Waikato Stadium
WaiBop United (2015–2016) (2018–present)New Zealand 7s |
FMG Stadium Waikato is a major sporting and cultural events venue in Hamilton, New Zealand, with a total capacity of 25,800. Four areas contribute to this capacity: The Brian Perry Stand holding 12,000, the WEL Networks Stand holding 8,000, the Goal Line Terrace holding 800 and the Greenzone can hold up to 5,000 people. The capacity can be extended, however, by temporarily adding 5,000 seats to the Goal Line Terrace area. The stadium, owned by the Hamilton City Council, regularly hosts two rugby union teams:
- The Chiefs in the Southern Hemisphere Super Rugbycompetition.
- The Mitre 10 Cup.
History
In 1925, Rugby Park opened. In 1930, a
In 1996, the Waikato Regional Sports and Event Centre Trust were formed as it was decided that the city required a new sports stadium to attract more sports fixtures and events. The city of
On 1 October 2015 Waikato Stadium became known as FMG Stadium Waikato after a 10-year naming rights agreement was approved.[3]
Facilities
FMG Stadium Waikato is a multi-purpose facility, though used mainly for
Notable events
FMG Stadium Waikato (then known as Rugby Park) was host to one of the matches during the
Since 2002, the stadium has been host to a variety of events ranging from sporting events to cultural events. This includes: Men’s and Women’s International rugby,
On 11 June 2005, Waikato Stadium was host to a historic, first ever win by the New Zealand Māori Rugby Union Team (later renamed Māori All Blacks), over the touring British & Irish Lions.
It was one of four host stadiums of the
On 4 August 2012, the stadium hosted the 2012 Super Rugby Final between the Chiefs and the Sharks.
In 2017, Waikato Stadium hosted their first ever rugby league test matches with two 2017 Rugby League World Cup Group B games – Samoa vs. Tonga (18,156 spectators), and New Zealand vs. Tonga (24,041 spectators).[7]
In 2018 New Zealand Sevens was held on the 3–4 Feb.
in 2019, the Tongan rugby league team defeated the Great Britain Lions 14–6 in the 2019 Great Britain Lions tour at the ground.[8]
In 2023, it will be used as one of the venues for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, hosting five matches. Waikato Stadium was also one of two venues to host the inter-confederation play-offs.[9]
| Date | Team #1 | Res. | Team #2 | Stage | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 July 2023 |  Zambia
|
0–5 |  Japan
|
Group C | 16,111 |
| 25 July 2023 |  Switzerland
|
0–0 |  Norway
|
Group A | 10,769 |
| 27 July 2023 |  Portugal
|
2–0 |  Vietnam
|
Group E | 6,645 |
| 31 July 2023 |  Costa Rica
|
1–3 | Zambia
|
Group C | 8,117 |
| 2 August 2023 |  Argentina
|
0–2 |  Sweden
|
Group G | 17,907 |
References
- ^ "About FMG Stadium Waikato". waikatostadium.co.nz.
- ^ Waikato Stadium. (2009). History. http://www.waikatostadium.co.nz/page/pageid/2145834898/History
- ^ "Naming deal for Waikato Stadium". Stuff. Retrieved 21 December 2015.
- ^ "Tour diary – 1981 Springbok tour – NZHistory, New Zealand history online". nzhistory.net.nz.
- ^ "FIFA.com – FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup: Destination". fifa.com. Archived from the original on 23 October 2008.
- ^ "Buy Waikato Rugby Shirts & Jerseys". therugbyworldcup.co.uk.
- ^ "Hamilton to make history by hosting first ever rugby league tests in 2017 World Cup". stuff.co.nz.
- ^ "Great Britain beaten on Test return". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
- ^ Vidyadharan, Avina (22 February 2023). "Waikato Stadium turf on par with international fields, ready for 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 23 February 2023.
External links
