The recent complaints that Eden Park is or will be a dog appear to be well-founded and were obvious from the outset.
The vast majority of thinking people wanted this new Stadium constructed in the Auckland Waterfront location. It could have made a statement on the Waterfront for locals and tourists alike.
Very interesting to look at it all again in retrospect – Eden Park in its existing state could have been retained for most normal activities and become the base for say Cricket and League.
The never-built brand new multi-use Waterfront Stadium could have been used for all major international sports events; rugby, athletics, concerts, etc. and would have been close to accommodation, the Viaduct and Auckland CBD. Weekends or nights would not have been an issue as normal weekday business park would have been available. Too late, the dye is cast.
It is such a damn shame because NZ has once again wasted a one-off opportunity and invested a huge amount of money, around $400 million, on an Eden Park lemon which will rarely ever fill its capacity after RWC 2011.
Access, noise and parking problems will always be issues at this Eden Park venue.
Why do we never seem to get it right in this country?

S Paterson, Arataki.