Founders Theatre
Founders Theatre (a.k.a. Founders Memorial Theatre) is located at 221 Tristram Street, and is the largest indoor venue in Hamilton. The theatre is furnished with seating on a high gradient floor, and is more suited to concerts by The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and The Royal New Zealand Ballet than to most bands, although some do occasionally play there. Neil Finn, who has played there with Crowded House, has been known to bemoan that Founders is the only venue of its size in Hamilton, lamenting that it is inadequate for the purpose of providing an appropriate viewing experience for attending touring bands. Founders Theatre played host to the Waikato Rock Awards in 1993 and 1994. Notable international bands that have played there have included The Cure.
