The first of two Hot Wheels Monster Truck shows is being held this afternoon, featuring sized-up versions of the children’s toy.
TEG Sport promoter representative Nathan Brown said the shows were best described as a "family-friendly theatrical spectacular".
"There’s crashes, there’s chaos, there’s carnage, there’s competition.
"It kind of ticks all the boxes for young families just to forget about everything for two hours ... the kids are just buzzing."
Shows were also planned for Auckland and Wellington — ticket sales in Dunedin had surpassed Wellington’s, Mr Brown said.
About a quarter of ticket holders were coming from outside the region and with 100 local labourers working on the event, Mr Brown estimated the shows would bring about $750,000 to Dunedin’s economy.
"It’s a great advocate for future events to come to Dunedin."
Forsyth Barr’s covered roof was a welcome addition, Mr Brown said.
"If I could take that roof off and take it with me to Wellington and Auckland, I would in a heartbeat.
"The roof gives us a lot of security, not just whilst we’re building, but it allows us to control the elements of what’s on the field right now and the most important thing for us is not damaging the turf underneath," Mr Brown said.
Layers of geo-fabric, plywood and 750 tonnes of dirt stood between the turf and trucks — come tomorrow evening, the layers would be peeled back and "it will look just like as it was when we got here".
American driver Rebecca Schnell would be piloting the truck Big Foot over the weekend and said audiences should prepare for "big stunt action".
Based in Pacific, Missouri, she had been driving monster trucks for six years and said her favourite part was travelling and getting to meet new people.
"Now the weather is a bit different than what we’re used to. But we’re acclimating very well."
Dunedin Venues chief executive Paul Doorn said the event was a "perfect example" of the stadium’s multi-purpose use.
"You’ve got rugby, obviously, you’ve got concerts that we’re still chasing — and we’re still very hopeful that we’ll have some things secure for 2026."
He said the shows were "massive logistical challenge" for promoters who had, together with venue staff, put in a fantastic effort to prepare.
"People are coming from outside of Dunedin ... it’s another really important economic driver for the city."
Today, gates open at 2.30pm and the show begins at 4pm; tomorrow, gates open 1.30pm, the show starts at 3pm.
