Dr Coutts is president of the Otago Centre of the Royal New Zealand Pipe Bands' Association and has taken part in pipe band events for more than 50 years.
The University of Otago Oval venue had been used to stage the nationals in 1999 and in 2007, but as the ground was improved over the years, its appeal as a national band venue also increased, he said.
The current venue, with its scenic backdrop and the enclosing effect of the redeveloped grassy embankments, had added to the compactness, and intimacy and the "village green" feel.
These and other changes had increased the sense of concentration and intimacy.
"That's what we've tried to achieve."
"It has atmosphere - you've got the trees, the hills. You see very little of the town."
He had never been at a national championship in New Zealand that was "as good" as the current venue.
Thirty-eight bands from throughout the country are competing in the two-day nationals, which began at the University Oval yesterday.
The event continues with a George St parade in the Edinburgh and Meridian blocks from 9am to 11.30am today, before returning to the University Oval between 12.30pm and 6pm.
Dr Coutts said he had spent a couple of sleepless nights early in the week worrying if the concept he had wanted to promote would work.
But, as the planned modifications took shape, he was delighted to realise "we've done what I dreamed of".
The Oval also reminded him of the memorable atmosphere at Braemar, in Scotland, which each year hosted the Braemar Gathering, a major event including international pipe bands, he said.
Greg Goodall (65), of Tasman, who has been involved with pipe bands for the past 50 years, was a spectator and also appreciated the "lovely setting". He agreed with Dr Coutts about the high quality of the University of Otago Oval venue.
