A new chapter for sport in Matamata: our journey from 1959 to today
Matamata has always been a community that rallies behind its young people, and the opening of the new Open Country Community Stadium marked a milestone that has been generations in the making. This new facility stands not only as a modern home for sport and events, but as the latest chapter in a long history of local determination, generosity and teamwork.
Where it all began: fundraising for the first gym (1959–1962)
The story starts in 1959, when Principal Arthur Lucas led an ambitious community appeal to fund a gymnasium and swimming baths for Matamata College. At the time, the school had strong sporting spirit but few indoor facilities. The district came together in remarkable fashion - from the Old Pupils’ Association’s “Donate an Animal” campaign, to the Lions Club gathering over 100 tons of scrap metal – they raised thousands of pounds to turn the vision into reality. By October 1962, the first gymnasium and baths were officially opened by the Minister of Education, Hon. W. B. Tennant.
Growing with the school: the second gym (1971)
As the school roll climbed from just under 600 in 1959 to more than 1,000 by 1972, it became clear that one gym was no longer enough. In 1971, a second gymnasium was built with the help of local tradespeople, led by draftsman Don Stanley. Because government policy did not subsidise second gyms, the project depended entirely on community goodwill - something Matamata has never been short of.
A hub for sport: the Bradley Gym and Lucas Gym (1979–1980s)
Fundraising continued into the 1970s, with $58,000 raised to add a Sports Pavilion to the second gym. Students contributed a further $6,400 for equipment - an impressive achievement that showed just how committed young people were to improving their facilities.
The gym was named the Bradley Gymnasium after Brian Bradley, a respected Physical Education leader and New Zealand basketball representative. In the 1980s, the original 1962 gym was officially named the Lucas Gymnasium in honour of the principal who helped to spearhead it.
A vision for something bigger: the idea of a community stadium (2008–2019)
In 2008, local resident Bruce Magan recognised that Matamata needed a shared stadium that would support both school and community sport. He donated $1 million and established the Matamata Futures Trust, prompting many local families and businesses to join the cause.
By 2016, Matamata-Piako District Council, Sport Waikato and the Ministry of Education were working alongside the Trust to plan future management and funding. In 2019, the decision was made to build the stadium at Matamata College.
Planning, design and the final push (2020–2024)
A prefeasibility study and business case were completed in 2020. By 2023, the stadium requirements were confirmed and concept designs prepared. Detailed design work followed in 2024, alongside significant funding support from community trusts and foundations. Resource consent was granted and a groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of the build.
Honouring the past to build the future (2025)
As construction began in 2025, the Lucas and Bradley Gyms - structures that had served generations of students - were removed to make way for the new stadium. Their legacy lives on in the thousands of people who learnt, trained and competed within their walls.
A new home for sport: dawn blessing and opening (2026)
In early February, iwi led a dawn blessing and karakia to allow college students to start using the space, and this Saturday (21 February) an official opening will be held. The facility represents the combined efforts of Matamata Futures Trust, local families, sponsors, Council, Sport Waikato, the Ministry of Education, Matamata College, grant funders, contractors and countless supporters.
As we step into this new era, we also honour the people who laid the foundations: the fundraisers of the 1950s and 60s, the volunteers of the 70s, the teachers and students who kept sports culture alive, and the community leaders who championed the vision of a shared stadium. The Open Country Community Stadium will be their legacy and our future.
Come along for a look inside the new stadium!
On Saturday 21 February, we will have speeches and a ribbon cutting from 9-9.30am.
Then from 9.30-11am, you can drop in to:
- explore this incredible community investment
- enjoy food trucks and refreshments
- meet our local sports clubs as they showcase their skills
- connect with the people who make sport in our community happen
There will be plenty to see, do, and experience - so bring your whānau, bring your friends, and come along to see what’s now possible for future generations.
You can also now book the stadium courts and multipurpose room here
School photos courtesy of Olivia Showler.