Forsyth Barr Stadium was opened with considerable fanfare in 2011, having been finished just in time for the Rugby World Cup that year and was the venue for several of those games.
The decision in March 2008 to proceed with its construction was controversial. The cost was substantial and has been borne primarily by the city’s ratepayers.
Its predecessor Carisbrook had its origins back in 1883 and hosted its first rugby international in 1908. It enjoyed a remarkable era as a venue primarily for rugby and cricket but also for concerts and other events.
Compelling arguments were were put forward as to how it could be modernised and brought up to 21st century standards for a fraction of the cost of the proposed new roofed stadium. Despite that, a decision was made to proceed with the new stadium construction.
I witnessed the final tier 1 international rugby test at Carisbrook in 2010 and what a wonderful, but sadly nostalgic, occasion that was.
The first rugby match at Forsyth Barr Stadium took place in August 2011 between the West Coast and North Otago, heralding in a new era.
Having Rugby World Cup games later that year was something of a bonus. The Canterbury earthquakes of 2010-11 had devastating consequences for Christchurch and environs, including the loss of Lancaster Park’s Jade Stadium, its primary rugby venue and events centre. To some extent we became a beneficiary of their misfortune and in the decade from 2011, Dunedin continued to host rugby tests and also attracted a number of top international concerts and artists.
Major events, however, have declined in the last three years with the Dunedin stadium idle for much of the time.
Christchurch’s new roofed stadium is due to open in April next year as a rugby and multi-events centre. It is likely this added competition will put even more strain on Forsyth Barr Stadium’s already tenuous financial situation.
Though the Carisbrook clock can no longer be turned back, its history should not be forgotten. Its location was ideal in many ways, situated in the city’s south and with ample suburban parking.
In contrast, Forsyth Barr Stadium, on the edge of studentville, is a real bottleneck and poses significant challenges for vehicles and pedestrians during major events.
Carisbrook had a variety of stands, each unique, with the terraces a special feature. Capacity crowds of about 40,000 spectators were common for test matches. Top-level international cricket matches also attracted very large numbers.
It was a multipurpose venue hosting groups such as The Chills and Shihad as well as Joe Cocker and many other performers.
These are all memories now but, in my opinion, there was a very strong case for continuing with Carisbrook.
Looking forward though, as we must do, it is still appropriate and necessary that questions are asked, and answers sought as to the financial state of Forsyth Barr Stadium and the vision for its future.
We were recently told that the current life expectancy of the stadium is 30-35 years, a troubling prospect indeed. Was the duration of the stadium ever mentioned or discussed at the time the decision to proceed was made and has this become a permanent financial burden for Dunedin ratepayers?
Unfortunately, it looks like a tale of two stadiums could well have sad endings for both.
— Joss Miller is a retired Dunedin lawyer.
