McLean Park, located in Napier, New Zealand, is a versatile sports venue primarily known for hosting cricket and rugby matches. Opened in 1952, the stadium underwent redevelopment in 2009 and has a seating capacity of approximately 22,000. It serves as the home ground for the Central Districts Cricket Association and has hosted major events like the 2015 Cricket World Cup.
The ground dimensions at McLean Park favor batsmen, with square boundaries measuring just under 60 meters, while the straight boundaries are slightly larger at around 65 meters. These dimensions, coupled with a batter-friendly pitch, make it a high-scoring venue in limited-overs cricket.
Historical Background
- Opened: 1952, with subsequent redevelopments including the opening of the Graham Lowe Stand in 2009.
- Location: Situated in Napier, New Zealand, it is a key sports and community hub on New Zealand’s North Island.
- Primary Use: Hosts cricket matches (Test, ODI, and T20 formats) and rugby union games. It serves as the home for the Central Districts Cricket Association and the Hurricanes Super Rugby team.
Ground Specifications
- Capacity: Approximately 22,000, including seating and a grassy embankment popular with spectators.
- Dimensions: Known for short square boundaries (around 60 meters) and slightly longer straight boundaries (~65 meters). This layout encourages high-scoring games, especially in limited-overs formats.
- Lighting: Equipped with modern floodlights to support day-night matches.
Pitch Conditions
McLean Park is renowned for its flat pitches, which tend to favor batsmen, leading to several high-scoring encounters. Bowlers, particularly spinners, find assistance late in the game due to subtle wear on the surface. The outfield is well-maintained, contributing to swift boundary scoring
Notable Events and Records
- Cricket World Cup: Hosted matches during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.
- ODI High Scores: Teams often cross 300 runs in ODIs here, making it a thrilling venue for fans.
- Rugby Matches: Regularly features Hurricanes matches in Super Rugby and international rugby union games.
Additional Features
- Fan Experience: The stadium combines traditional grandstands with an open hill area for casual viewers, offering flexibility for diverse audiences.
- Accessibility: Conveniently located near Napier’s city center, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists.
McLean Park remains one of New Zealand’s most picturesque and fan-friendly venues, blending history, modernity, and a vibrant sports culture