Sky Stadium

Wellington's regional stadium has a history that stretches back to the turn of the millennium, when it opened as one of the first major venues built in the new century. The ground has changed hands more times than most clubs change managers: it opened as Wellington Regional Stadium, became Westpac Stadium, then Sky Stadium, and is now Hnry Stadium. The Nicknames came from its shape — the locals call it the Cake Tin — a description that sticks because the stand encircles the field in a way that catches the eye even from a distance.

What makes the place different from other grounds in the city is its position on the waterfront at Waterloo Quay, where the wind from the harbour can sweep across the pitch at any time of year. The capacity sits at 34,500 after standing areas were removed to meet modern safety requirements. It has hosted everything from Rugby World Cup quarter-finals to concerts that drew crowds larger than the town itself.

The Hurricanes call it home, as do Wellington Phoenix and the various national teams. When the All Blacks play at home, the stand fills up. On occasion it has held nearly 48,000 people for a single-day event, though that record belongs to a pop star rather than a football match. There is nothing dramatic about the roof or the materials — the building is a working venue, not a monument.