Joss Miller considers Dunedin’s past and present stadium quandaries.
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.