The Stadium Broadcast

Field Theory

In November 2014, Field Theory were granted access to the hallowed grounds of Lancaster Park Stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand, a 40,000‑seat arena closed to the public since the 2011 earthquakes. For 72 hours, they opened its gates to the public, inviting people to walk the field one last time and share every story about the site’s 150‑year history.

Broadcast continuously via radio and the internet, the team kept the tributes rolling—whether wild, emotional, fictional or factual—through night and day, beyond fatigue and well into delirium. Field Theory lived in the stadium for the duration, hosting all the memories, grief, gossip, joy, protest, music, celebrations. Nothing was too big or too small.

The Stadium Broadcast was the result of two years of community research and negotiation. It provided the people of Canterbury a chance to pay homage to an emotionally significant place as it hovered between abandonment and demolition. Part social artwork, part giant game of “Were you there when…?”, it became a joyous memorial — crossing the lines between art, sport, religion, memory and hope.