The H.A.A.A. Grounds

The H.A.A.A. Grounds. . , The original 1874 plans for this six and one-half acre site, owned by the Hamilton Cricket Club, Included an eight-foot board fence, a dining room, dressing room and grandstand. In addition to cricket, lacrosse and rugby football were played here. Immediately to the north was one of Hamilton's earliest steeplechase courses. In 1910, the Tiger Rugby Club announced its amalgamation with the Cricket Club and intention to purchase an interest in the property. This led to the formation of the Hamilton Amateur Athletic Association (H.A.A.A.). By October 1910, a new steel grandstand, which seated 2,318, had been constructed on the west side of the field. The Grey Cup game was played here in October of that year. Between 1910 and 1935, Hamilton teams won 4 of 7 Grey Cup games played here. The grandstand, which was destroyed by a spectacular fire on 27 September 1927, was subsequently rebuilt. In 1945, the City of Hamilton purchased the H.A.A.A. Grounds. The Hamilton Tigers played here until 1950, after which high school and junior football teams took over the facility. The H.A.A.A. Grounds is the oldest sports park in Hamilton.