Seddon Park has built a rich and exciting history – here’s a summary of significant milestones and developments since the ground’s opening.

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Seddon Park has built a rich and exciting history – here’s a summary of significant milestones and developments since the ground’s opening.

1864

The land where Seddon Park is located is designated for recreational use

1906

The venue is named after notable New Zealand Prime Minister Richard Seddon (1845-1906) and developed 

1914

Hosted its first significant cricket match against Australia v South Auckland XVII in a two-day match

1956/57 

Seddon Park first used for first-class cricket

1981

Seddon Park first used for international cricket, hosting an ODI between New Zealand and India

1990

The venue renamed Trustbank Park following a major renovation and construction of the present pavilion, sponsored by Trustbank Waikato

1990/91 

Ground granted Test Match status, hosting New Zealand v Sri Lanka

1992

Hosting of two Cricket World Cup matches

1997

Name changed to Westpac Trust Park following merger between Westpac and Trustbank

2001

Used for the majority of Waikato and Chiefs rugby home pages while the city’s rugby stadium was under development

2003

Subsequent venue name change to Westpac Park 

2005/06 

Major upgrade undertaken to comply with requirements of international cricket. This enabled the ground to be recognised as one of the best playing surfaces in the world. See turf management for more details

2006

Venue returns to original name of Seddon Park at end of sponsorship deal with Westpac

2014

Refurbishment of ground: half of the pitch block re-laid with new clay, new drainage installed in outfield and pavilion extended to incorporate needs of modern cricket, with larger changing rooms and facilities for players and match officials. Meeting rooms for community use also part of refurbishment

2015

Hosting of three ICC Cricket Would Cup matches

2019

Old floodlights replaced with new technology, structures, and LED lighting fittings

2021

New sight screens installed to create a better contrast between the red ball and white screen for test matches, and white ball and black screen in T20 games

2022

Hosting of seven ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup matches

2022/23

Refurbishment of grounds: Resurfacing of the outfield; new drainage and irrigation systems installed for both the outfield and the block. Additionally, an artificial ring road laid around the field for enhanced accessibility, block clay changed to patumahoe, and an extra wicket added to the block