What do Ed Sheeran, the All Blacks and movie afternoons have in common?

July 30, 2017 / Richard Breslin

Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin opened six years ago, and has proven its worth as a fantastic multipurpose venue for the local community and visitors alike.

With its unbeatable atmosphere and flexible, world-class facilities, this unique Stadium has staged international and domestic rugby, major music acts, movie screenings, Red Bull snowboarding competitions and even drifting events.

More than 1.3 million sports fans, music lovers and community members have attended events at the stadium – no mean feat when the local population has averaged 125,000 people since it opened.

From cheering on local rugby team the Highlanders and the world-famous New Zealand All Blacks, to raising money for charities with movie afternoons or dancing along to the likes of Elton John and Fleetwood Mac, Forsyth Barr offers the community a truly flexible facility. Ed Sheeran will end his 2018 Australia/New Zealand tour here at Forsyth Barr.

The fully enclosed roof is no doubt part of the reason the stadium has been so successful. It is the only enclosed stadium in the world with a natural grass pitch, crucial to meeting the needs of top class sports in a cold, wet climate such as Dunedin’s. The clear roof also offers a great view of the surrounding countryside with all the atmosphere and comfort of a modern sports arena.

Events at Forsyth Barr Stadium have pumped an estimated $165 million into the local economy since it opened in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Malcolm Farry of The Carisbrook Stadium Charitable Trust, said to stuff.co.nz that they were delighted by the stadium’s contribution to the city. “The stadium was produced on time, on budget and fit for purpose and the results have exceeded the expectations of most Dunedin citizens and of the wider New Zealand community.”

To celebrate the stadium’s success since 2011 we have put together a short video featuring Dunedin Venues’ Terry Davies, the Highlanders’ Roger Clark and All Blacks Coach, Steve Hansen.

Meet the author

Richard Breslin

Senior Principal, Co-Managing Director - APAC / Hong Kong

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *