Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium is set to undergo an innovative transformation that will allow it to attract a wider range of concerts, sports and entertainment acts currently bypassing the city. Dunedin Venues Management Ltd (DVML) has revealed plans for a capacity-reduction system using a series of retractable curtains, which is expected to be operational by the summer.
The new system will create a scalable indoor environment, allowing the venue to be configured for crowds as small as 3000 people, up to its maximum capacity of nearly 38,000. DVML chief executive Paul Doorn said the changes directly address the ''Goldilocks problem'' Dunedin has faced for years. The city is well-equipped for small events at venues like the Dunedin Centre and major sell-out shows at the stadium, but has consistently missed out on hosting popular mid-sized events that fall between these two extremes.
Solving the city's 'Goldilocks problem'
For years, Dunedin has lacked a purpose-built arena for audiences between 3,000 and 10,000, a capacity that is increasingly popular for international comedians, established musicians, and niche sporting competitions. While the city can host intimate gigs and blockbuster stadium tours, it has been unable to compete for the broad range of touring acts that fall into this middle category, which often opt for arenas in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch instead.
The capacity reduction system will actually drive much better conversations with people about saying, 'What's the act or artist or sporting event that you've got.. and how can I shape the stadium to be the right size for the right people?'. It just creates greater versatility.
This gap in the market means Dunedin has missed out on potential tourism dollars and the significant local spending that accompanies major events. Attracting this new segment of the entertainment market could provide a welcome boost to the city's hospitality and accommodation sectors. The investment comes at a critical time for the local economy, which has seen jobs impacted by decisions like the impending Gregg's factory closure to cost over 30 Dunedin jobs.
A major partnership and vote of confidence
The ambitious project is being supported by a new 10-year partnership with ticketing giant Ticketek, which will become the exclusive ticketing partner for both Forsyth Barr Stadium and the Dunedin Centre. While Mr Doorn declined to reveal the total cost of the new curtain system, he confirmed that Ticketek had made a ''large'' financial contribution towards it.
''I think people should see the fact that they're willing to help invest in it as being a really important part of the initiative,'' Mr Doorn said. This substantial investment from a leading commercial player in the events industry signals strong confidence in the project's future success and the viability of the Dunedin market. The project has also received the backing of the Dunedin City Council, which gave its support during a non-public section of a council meeting on Wednesday.
An innovative design with unique challenges
The planned system involves a complex design of high-tensile wires running across the stadium's roof, which will be used to raise and lower the large curtains as needed. A critical component of the design is ensuring it does not interfere with the growth of the natural grass turf, a key feature of the stadium. ''Growing the grass and getting sunlight to the grass is still a critical component,'' Mr Doorn said, assuring that the roofline would remain clean and unobstructed.
He acknowledged there would be a ''learning curve'' in mastering the new setup, particularly in managing the acoustics for different event configurations. ''We actually will be spending some really quality time making sure we try to maximise the use of the curtains, the floor space and the sound to make it a really good fan experience,'' he stated. The intention is to complete detailed design work in the coming months, with installation scheduled before Christmas so the system can be used by acts touring in the new year.
Positioning Dunedin on the national stage
This investment in versatile infrastructure significantly enhances Dunedin's competitive position within New Zealand's national events landscape. The ability to offer a weatherproof, scalable venue gives the city a unique advantage when bidding for tours and events. Promoters will now have a flexible, cost-effective option that can be tailored to their specific needs, making Dunedin a more compelling stop on national tour itineraries.
By broadening its entertainment offerings, the city can enhance its cultural vibrancy and its appeal as a tourist destination, complementing the wide array of existing attractions outlined in The ultimate guide: 25 best things to do in Dunedin. As New Zealand sees ongoing investment in community and housing infrastructure, such as the New Papatoetoe development offers diverse housing options, this upgrade diversifies Dunedin's own public assets and economic drivers.
Mr Doorn is confident that the investment will pay off, not just in ticket sales, but in the quality of the events and the experience of every person who walks through the doors. The focus remains squarely on the future, with a commitment to creating a world-class, multi-purpose venue that Dunedin can be proud of.
