The idea, still in its formative stages, could involve the University of Otago's physical education department, the New Zealand Academy of Sport's Dunedin-based South Island centre, and Otago Polytechnic's Institute of Sport and Adventure.
The Academy of Sport had always seen the potential of the stadium as a centre for excellence in sports administration and performance, South Island chief executive Kereyn Smith said yesterday.
"We have always seen it as a magnet for attracting and developing administration and sports performances programmes."
Ms Smith, who is also a trustee on the Carisbrook Stadium Trust which is driving the construction of the $198 million stadium near Logan Park, said the idea was one of many raised by members of an informal stadium users group, which had been meeting regularly for about the last three months.
The group, whose membership was fluid, included the Dunedin City Council, Sport Otago, the university, the polytechnic and the academy.
Otago Polytechnic chief executive Phil Ker told the polytechnic council last week the polytechnic had become involved once the "raging debate" over whether the stadium would go ahead had finished.
"If the stadium is a fact of life and on our doorstep, how do we leverage off that . . . and ensure the stadium is a genuine community asset."
The Academy of Sport offers training and support to 300-400 elite athletes and coaches throughout the South Island. Ms Smith said the academy wanted to relocate to the stadium if there was enough room.
"We would like to be in the stadium precinct - if not in the stadium itself, then near it."
The informal stadium users' group was gathering momentum and was naturally splitting into three distinct working parties, she said.
One was focusing on the stadium's potential as a centre of sporting excellence, a second was looking at educational opportunities such as tutorial and lectures in the South Stand building, while a third was looking at potential business and community events.
"Each of those groups is beginning to take shape. The next stage is to take [them] to the next level."
Ms Smith said she was impressed with the "overwhelming level of excitement" about the stadium from members of the users group.
"It is quite exciting to see them discussing how the asset can be used to complement what they are already doing."
