Forsyth Barr Stadium

Forsyth Barr Stadium is the first and largest fully enclosed stadium in the Southern Hemisphere and the only permanently covered stadium in the world with a natural grass playing field. Located beside the Leith River in Dunedin, it replaced the aging Carisbrook Park and was fast-tracked to ensure readiness for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Responding to Dunedin’s cold, wet, and blustery climate, the stadium’s innovative design enables year-round use without compromising the quality of the natural turf. 

Its compact and efficient footprint, angled seating, and close spectator proximity create a thrilling atmosphere for over 30,000 fans. The lightweight steel-truss roof is clad in ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene), a transparent, UV-transmissive polymer originally developed for the space industry. This inflated ​‘pillow’ envelope maximises sunlight to support the growth of the turf, marking the first time ETF’s UV-transparent properties have been applied in a stadium setting. 

A cost-effective, fast-tracked construction methodology ensured the project was delivered within an exceptionally tight timeframe of 26 months from commencement on site. The result is an elegant and effective design solution delivering long-term value for the city of Dunedin.