Yeah ideally you'd want a test cricket venue much closer to the CBD. I thought Western Springs was always the preferred option?
But test cricket is a bit unique as a sport. There is no rush to get there for kick off, or the 10.30am first ball delivery. It's a more leisurely arrival knowing you have 6 hours or more play ahead of you to watch, lying on the grass. So if it's a bit further out of town, not the end of the world. Plus you might only go to any test for one or two days, and there might just be one Auckland test a summer. It's sort of oneoff.
Also lots of cricket fans (especially those with kids) like to arrival with the picnic basket & blanket, shade umbrella, kids cricket set etc. That can be a pain in the arse to carry around on the train/bus, so they like the option to drive & park close by. NHS has car parking, but maybe that is the accessibity issue with Colin Maiden a lack of nearby car parks??
But test cricket is a bit unique as a sport. There is no rush to get there for kick off, or the 10.30am first ball delivery. It's a more leisurely arrival knowing you have 6 hours or more play ahead of you to watch, lying on the grass. So if it's a bit further out of town, not the end of the world. Plus you might only go to any test for one or two days, and there might just be one Auckland test a summer. It's sort of oneoff.
Also lots of cricket fans (especially those with kids) like to arrival with the picnic basket & blanket, shade umbrella, kids cricket set etc. That can be a pain in the arse to carry around on the train/bus, so they like the option to drive & park close by. NHS has car parking, but maybe that is the accessibity issue with Colin Maiden a lack of nearby car parks??