Feel the energy. Lawson Tama Stadium pulses with life. It’s more than just a stadium. It’s a heart beating in Honiara.
Lawson Tama Stadium. The name itself whispers history. It’s a multi-purpose stadium yes. Mostly for football matches. But its story is richer than any game. The stands are carved into the hillside. A natural amphitheatre. No official capacity. Yet thousands gather here. Twenty thousand maybe more. They spill onto the surrounding grassland.
The stadium’s roots stretch back to 1961. The British Solomon Islands Amateur Sports Association met. The government responded. Land near the hospital was allocated. Initially called Town Sports Ground. Construction finished in 1964. A pavilion and other facilities followed in 1965.
As Honiara grew the ground became central. Names were suggested. “Hospital Ground” was one idea. Ultimately it was named after Eric Lawson. An Australian businessman and politician. He played a vital role in the stadium’s creation. He arrived in 1947. He became President of the amateur sports association. Lawson Tama Stadium. A tribute to a man who helped build a nation’s sporting spirit.
The stadium’s hosted major events. The 2012 OFC Nations Cup. The inaugural Mini South Pacific Games in 1981. Think of the electrifying atmosphere. The roar of the crowd. The clash of boots on the grass. The thrill of victory. The agony of defeat. Lawson Tama Stadium has witnessed it all.
More than just matches it’s a community hub. Koloale FC Kossa FC Makuru FC Marist FC Solomon Warriors FC and Western United FC call it home. Local rivalries ignite here. National pride swells. International teams arrive. The stadium echoes with chants songs and cheers.
Today Lawson Tama Stadium stands tall. A testament to the passion for sport in the Solomon Islands. A symbol of community. It’s more than concrete and grass. It’s a living breathing part of Honiara. A place where history is made and memories are forged. A place you’ll never forget. Lawson Tama Stadium.