Lawson Tama Stadium, Football stadium in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Lawson Tama Stadium is the main football venue in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, built around a natural grass pitch. Rather than constructed stands, the surrounding hillsides form the viewing areas, giving the ground an open-air layout unlike most modern stadiums.
The stadium opened in 1964 and was a key step in the development of organized sport in the Solomon Islands. It has held that role ever since, hosting national competitions and international matches across the decades.
Lawson Tama is the main gathering place for football supporters in Honiara, where people from across the city come together on the grass slopes to watch their local teams play. The open setting creates a close connection between the crowd and the pitch that enclosed stands rarely allow.
There are no fixed seats, so arriving early helps you find a comfortable spot on the hillsides before the area fills up. Wear sturdy footwear since the slopes can be uneven, and bring something to sit on if you prefer not to stand throughout the match.
In 2012, the Solomon Islands stepped in to host the OFC Nations Cup after Fiji withdrew at short notice, making Lawson Tama the first ground in the country to stage that Oceanian tournament. The venue handled the event without the benefit of a purpose-built stand in sight.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
