Forsyth Barr Stadium was established in 2011 as the world’s first fully enclosed natural turf stadium. The first pile was driven into the ground on a winter’s day in 2009, officially opened by John Key ahead of the 2011 Rugby World Cup where 100,000 fans partied under the roof.
Since opening, Forsyth Barr Stadium has hosted a variety of major rugby games and concerts that involved upwards of 2.5 million patrons who have enjoyed the hugely varied events. Over the past decade, Forsyth Barr Stadium has hosted some of the world’s biggest artists including Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Pink, and Queen to name a few.
In 2016 Forsyth Barr Stadium was recognised as number nine in the world by Popular Mechanics Magazine list of “World’s 20 Most Impressive Stadiums”. Forsyth Barr Stadium was placed 13th in a list of top-50 worldwide ticket sales for outdoor stadiums/festival sites in 2018. The stadium hosted three sold-out concerts by Ed Sheeran during the period.
The truly versatile pitch transforms from pristine turf for international sporting fixtures, to top billing concert arena, a truly versatile space, and a Dunedin icon to be proud of. In 2011 when Forsyth Barr Stadium was constructed it was the world’s largest fully enclosed stadium with natural turf and we believe it still is!
Forsyth Barr Stadium’s operations are managed by Dunedin Venues Management Limited (DVML). DVML is a specialist venue management organisation established in 2009. The central hub for premier events and entertainment in Dunedin, it is responsible for operating Forsyth Barr Stadium and the Dunedin Centre which includes the Dunedin Town Hall. For more information, please visit the Dunedin Venues website.