Porritt Stadium: more than just a sporting ground

Located on the East side of Hamilton, surrounded by small wire fencing, gorgeous greenery and small playing fields is Porritt Stadium. Being the home of the Hamilton Wanderers who currently compete in the HANDA Premiership, the highest level of men’s football in New Zealand means the venue is always in use, with plenty of visitors. Mainly used for sporting occasions this location, in the past, has hosted a significant amount of community events such as school holiday programmes, personal family or friend run events and more that are so easily achieved through contact to the council.

One frequent visitor Emma Stevens, whose partner is currently playing for the Wanderers, spoke about the fields and what visiting feels like for her. When asked about the location the stadium sits in, she states “It’s pretty handy”, adding “being located on Wairere Drive means it’s close to getting anywhere in Hamilton as well as up to Auckland or out to Tauranga”. After chatting some more, we touched on the volunteers and how it feels to visit and be a part of a very community run, welcoming place.

“They are all very friendly people and obviously are doing their jobs very well as the fields and facilities are always kept up to a pretty good standard”.

Finally, regarding the surrounding scenery of the fields, Emma mentions “To me, as an Aucklander, it looks like a very nice grounds area”. This raises a good point, the adding of “as an Aucklander” is eye-opening as it puts this location into perspective. Visiting Porritt Stadium as someone who is heavily surrounded by greenery day-to-day may not realise how lovely such a place can be. Residents of cities such as Auckland may not bear witness to such a free-living area as often. I believe this creates the magic of this little spot.

Hidden down a small winding driveway, behind the carpark holding residence for campervans and mobile homes every other day, you may not appreciate a place like Porritt Stadium as much as you should. As a matter of fact, you may not be given the opportunity to do so. Take that opportunity. People with kids can let their little ones unwind and release some energy, older people who may not get out as much can attend events to engage with life and other people, people like Emma have and still do take the opportunity to appreciate the scenery whenever they can.