And Rugby World Cup boss Martin Snedden is more than 90% confident the three tournament games in Dunedin will be played at the new stadium.
Mr Snedden visited the stadium yesterday with International Rugby Board chairman Bernard Lapasset and vice-chairman Bill Beaumont, and was able to view the green grass sprouting from the playing surface.
Mr Snedden said the biggest surprise to him was the huge progress made over the past few weeks.
"I was here in December with [IRB chief executive] Mike Miller and the progress since has been enormous. The biggest surprise is the grass is up and green and looking good," he said.
"Sure, there is still a bit to do, and come round tournament time the stadium may not be full 100% operational, but it will be good enough for the world cup.
"...We should be able to announce sooner rather than later, within the next month, that the games will be played here."
Mr Snedden said he was aware of concerns about Dunedin losing $400,000 from hosting the three games but people had to realise the spin-offs for the city.
"People talk about a $7 million benefit for the city from a test but that is only domestic visitors. The international visitors will spend a lot more."
He said he did not have a problem about the Dunedin fan zone being curtailed, as it was a city decision.
"People who come here really will be only concerned with this magnificent stadium.
That is the memories they will take away."
Mr Lapasset said the venue was unique.
He was impressed by the technology which had enabled the grass to grow under the roof.
"Back in France we have nothing like this. It is absolutely fantastic for the city - a great vision," he said.
Former England captain Beaumont said he had seen artists' impressions of the stadium but to see it up close was spectacular.
"When people told me about having a roofed stadium in Dunedin I remembered my playing days in Dunedin and wondered if they could do it. But they have."
