Hamilton Showcases Back-To-Back Major Event Capability

Hamilton Kirikiriroa is moving from one major event to the next this week, having welcomed around 25,000 people for Jim Beam Homegrown at Claudelands Oval on Saturday before turning its attention to international cricket at Seddon Park on Tuesday.

The city will host a BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS T20 double header against South Africa on 17 March, with the WHITE FERNS taking on South Africa at 2.45pm and the BLACKCAPS following at 7.15pm, bringing another significant crowd into Hamilton within days of one of New Zealand's largest music festivals.

Saturday's Homegrown festival drew visitors from across the country, with activity spreading well beyond Claudelands Oval as people moved through the central city throughout the day and into the evening. A dedicated pedestrian activation on Claudelands Bridge provided a safe, direct connection between the city centre and the venue, easing pressure on surrounding roads while giving visitors a clear route in and out of the festival.

Hamilton City Council Deputy Chief Executive Sean Murray said the week reflects the maturity of the city's event delivery.

"Most cities our size would consider hosting 25,000 people for a national music festival a significant undertaking on its own. Turning around and hosting an international cricket double header days later is what separates Hamilton from other event destinations."

"That doesn't happen without months of planning and genuine coordination, across Council, emergency services, transport providers and our city partners. The team and venues we've built are what make it possible."

The back-to-back programme reflects growing confidence from event promoters and sporting organisations in Hamilton as a host city.

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