Veteran sports commentator Iain Gallaway took to the podium following a celebratory dinner at Carisbrook's hospitality complex, regaling guests with stories from the old ground's history and reflecting on its place in Dunedin and Otago.
There to listen were invited guests including Mayor Peter Chin and city councillors, Otago Regional Council deputy chairman Stephen Woodhead, representatives from Otago rugby and cricket circles and members of the Otago Settlers Association and the Otago Scottish Heritage Council.
Mr Chin, speaking early in the evening, paid tribute to early settlers and others who had gone before, and said it was "wonderful" to mark the 162nd anniversary of Otago's settlement at the old ground.
Organising committee convener Ann Barsby agreed, noting it was "one of the last occasions the public can come and celebrate Carisbrook's history".
