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Eden Park

Auckland, New Zealand

Ground profile

Also or formerly known as Eden Park No. 1
Capacity 50,000
Floodlights Yes
End names Dominion Road End, Sandringham Road End
Home team(s) Auckland
Current local time 19:18, Fri Jul 25, 2008 (UTC +1200)
External links Weather

Tests have been played at Eden Park since 1952 and the ground hosted New Zealand's first Test victory, against West Indies in 1955-56. But it is also the scene of a dark day in New Zealand Test cricket history when, on 28 March 1955, the hosts collapsed to their lowest Test score - 26 all out - against England. Cricket is not the only sport played there; there's rugby union, too. And it was an agreement with the rugby administrators which allowed development after the ground was troubled by financial difficulties and flooding in its infancy. Crippling debts and redevelopment ahead of the rugby World Cup continue to threaten the venue's future as a cricket ground.

The pavilion is steeped in tradition, contrasting with two massive modern grandstands which push the capacity over 40,000. All stands have covered and uncovered seating. The humid and sub-tropical conditions combine to produce wickets that assist slow and spin bowlers. The ground resembles a baseball diamond, which can flummox visiting captains in their field placement.

It is not a popular venue and that is reflect in poor attendances for many matches; that is also a reflection on poor management which often leaves ticketholders outside the ground and causes long queues for food and drink.

Travel
Buses and trains run from the city centre to Eden Park.

Car
There is very little parking around the ground.

Map
Click here

Cricinfo staff

Mar 6, 2006 West Indies players loosen up in front of the old pavilion at Eden Park © Getty Images

Dec 1, 2005 A groundsman waters the field during pitch preparations © Getty Images

Feb 28, 2003 Ground staff lay down new turf at Eden Park © Unknown

View the full list of 11 related images

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