6 | Matamata Indoor Sports REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT T T Karen Phelps Stadium to boost community sport The $11 million facility aims to revolutionise indoor sports participation and provide significant educational, health and social benefits for the entire community. ¡Ƒūƭē ƥū ċĚ ēĚŕĿDŽĚƑĿŠij ƥĺĿƙ ƙĿijŠĿǛČîŠƥ ƎƑūŏĚČƥ ȹ ĿŠƙƎĿƑĿŠij ƥĺƑĿDŽĿŠij ČūŞŞƭŠĿƥNjȦ Got a similar project in mind? Let’s work together fosters.co.nz In what is being hailed as a once-in-a-generation opportunity, Matamata’s eagerly anticipated Open Country Stadium is rapidly taking shape, with groundwork now completed and the main construction phase underway. The $11 million facility aims to revolutionise indoor sports participation and provide significant educational, health and social benefits for the entire community. “To develop Matamata’s sporting, recreational and cultural potential, and continue to enhance the vitality of the community, the town needs a true community hub: a purpose-built, multi-use, indoor sport and recreation centre.” explains Frank Healey, chairman of the fundraising committee. “This stadium identifies a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver just that.” Frank says the need for the facility is well-documented, with Matamata facing challenges including youth disaffection, an ageing population, difficulties attracting younger residents, and indoor sport participation below national averages. By providing modern facilities within the community, organisers hope to reverse these trends, while delivering wider economic benefits, he says. The project has been championed by the Matamata Futures Trust (MFT) for several years, addressing a gap in local infrastructure. Frank says that currently many teams are forced to travel to Te Aroha, Morrinsville, Hamilton and Tauranga to participate in indoor sports. The stadium has been designed as a complementary facility to the recently upgraded Headon Stadium, with both venues planned to meet different community needs as the town and district continue to grow. Located on the grounds of Matamata College, with entrance from Station Road, the facility represents a collaborative partnership between Matamata-Piako District Council, Matamata College and the Ministry of Education. The location was chosen following comprehensive reviews by all stakeholders, creating a shared asset that will serve both educational and community needs. With construction led by Fosters, following the groundwork completed by J Swap, the stadium is scheduled to open in early 2026. The facility will feature a double-court gymnasium, multi-purpose indoor space, administration areas, changing rooms and storage facilities. Nearly $10 million of the required $11 million budget has already been secured, including a $3 million contribution from Matamata-Piako District Council. The remaining funds are being raised through grants and community fundraising efforts, with significant contributions already secured from several generous backers. Open Country has secured the naming rights as the headline sponsor, while platinum sponsors include Comag and Mitre10 Matamata. Frank says these partnerships reflect the broad-based community support for the project. A project steering group comprising representatives from the community, Matamata Futures Trust, Matamata College board of trustees, iwi, Matamata-Piako District Council and Sport Waikato is overseeing the development. The organisers have established a dedicated website, matamatastadium.co.nz, where potential sponsors can explore various partnership opportunities. These range from Legacy Partner status for donations over $100,000, which includes public acknowledgement in all media and negotiated use rights, to Bronze sponsorship at $10,000, which provides branding within the building and public recognition during the lead-up to completion. With construction now progressing rapidly following the completion of groundwork, Frank says the stadium stands as a testament to community vision and collaboration. “The aim is for the stadium to be commercially, operationally and environmentally sustainable over several generations. This is a facility that will be available for everyone in the community to use. It’s the result of a strong team effort, driven by Matamata Futures Trust with the local community.”
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