Fraser Park (Timaru) facts for kids
| Former names | Fraser Park |
|---|---|
| Location | 328 Church Street, West End, Timaru, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 44°23′48″S 171°13′35″E / 44.39667°S 171.22639°E |
| Capacity | 12,500 |
| Surface | Grass |
Alpine Energy Stadium is a sports ground located in Timaru, New Zealand. It's mostly used for exciting rugby union games. This stadium can hold about 12,000 people, or even 12,500 when extra seats are added for big events. It was originally known as Fraser Park.
Stadium History
The story of Alpine Energy Stadium began in 1871. A group called the South Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club bought land in Timaru. They turned it into a place for sports like athletics.
By 1876, it became the main home for South Canterbury rugby. Other sports, like cricket and horse racing (trotting), were also held here.
The stadium has had a few names over the years. It was first known as the South Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club Grounds. In 1926, it was renamed Fraser Park. Then, in 1995, it became Alpine Energy Stadium, named after the company Alpine Energy. Also in 1995, bright floodlights were put up. This meant games could be played at night, which was a big change!
Who Plays Here?
Alpine Energy Stadium is the home base for the South Canterbury Rugby Team. This team plays in a competition called the Heartland Championship.
Stadium Features
The stadium used to have two main seating areas, called stands. However, in April 2016, one of these, the east stand, had to be closed for good because it was damaged. Apart from the remaining stand, most of the stadium is surrounded by grassy slopes. These slopes are where many fans sit to watch the games.
Hosting Big Games
In 2011, a big earthquake happened in Christchurch. Because of this, the main rugby stadium there couldn't be used for a while.
So, a famous Christchurch rugby team, the Crusaders, played some of their important Super Rugby games at Alpine Energy Stadium. They hosted teams like the Bulls and the Blues right here in Timaru.
