Opening Events at Lancaster Park
It was in October 1881 that the new Lancaster Park officially opened. Some enterprising local businessmen had arranged the purchase of 10 acres near Ferry Road with the objective of introducing an arena with gate-charges to allow local sports clubs to become self-sufficient. Lush grass was sewn, terraces prepared, a cinder track installed, and a 7-foot-high perimeter fence added, in preparation for the first official event on October 8th. Unfortunately, the weather intervened, postponing the friendly cricket match that was planned. That meant that the honour of the first sporting event fell to the Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club and their 2-day event on October 15th and 17th. The opening day was introduced by the local Railway brass band and included a wide range of athletic events. The first ever event was a 100-yard sprint. Despite a strong nor’wester, causing coal ashes from the cinder track to blow across the field, the opening day attracted about 1000 spectators, paying 1 shilling each, and raised £78. The cricketers got their opportunity the following weekend, heralded again by the local Railway band.