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Colin Maiden Park is proving to be a great choice as the new home for Auckland Cricket.
A record number of Aucklanders turned out to watch the Aces smash the Central Stags over the weekend during the HRV Cup domestic Twenty20 competition. Around 3200 people turned out to have some fun in the sun and watch one of the most exciting games so far.
Tonight the Aces play the Wellington Firebirds, who they beat in the round three. It will see international stars James Franklin and Jeetan Patel go head to head with Lou Vincent, Martin Guptill and Ravi Bopara.
After tonight’s clash, two more games are scheduled for Colin Maiden Park. One features BLACKCAPS Daniel Vettori and Tim Southee who will be turning out for the Northern Knights on Friday 22 January while the Volts bring stars like Brendon McCullum and Neil Broom to the ground on Tuesday 26 January.
Auckland Aces captain Gareth Hopkins led the Aces to victory on Sunday against the Stags and thinks Colin Maiden Park is a great choice to watch an exciting game of Twenty20 cricket. “It’s a great venue. There’s lots for the kids to do and it’s always been a good wicket to play on,” he said. “We’ve had some good games, some great competition and fantastic crowds supporting us.”
The park also holds a special place in Hopkins’ heart. He holds the record for the highest score on the ground, making 175* during the 2002/03 season when he was playing for Canterbury. Even more amazingly Hopkins scored centuries in both innings of that game and yet his side still lost to Auckland by five wickets.
The Auckland Cricket Association has made Colin Maiden Park home while the redevelopment of Eden Park is underway. It has been home to the Auckland University Cricket Club since 1977/78 and has played host to Auckland Aces first class games on a number of occasions in the past between the 1998/99 and 2002/03 seasons.
With crowd numbers swelling for the HRV Cup it is important to get your tickets early, either online at www.ticketek.co.nz or at the gate and with tickets only $15 for adults, $5 for children and $35 for the family, why not enjoy a day out at Colin Maiden Park.
Auckland Aces matches at Colin Maiden Park:
Auckland Aces v Wellington Firebirds
Wednesday 13 January\, 5pm start
Auckland Aces v Northern Knights
Friday January 22, 5pm start
Auckland Aces v Otago Volts
Tuesday 26 January, 5pm start
