Players from Otago University's Selwyn College perform a haka to celebrate their win over Knox College after the first match at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Photo / Supplied
Players from Otago University's Selwyn College perform a haka to celebrate their win over Knox College after the first match at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Photo / Supplied
Prime Minister John Key says Dunedin's new covered stadium will become known as "the house of pain and pleasure" - pain for visiting football teams and pleasure for its users.
The $200 million Forsyth Barr Stadium - replacing the original "house of pain", Carisbrook - was opened and blessed earlyyesterday morning.
It is only two years since piles for the building were driven into the ground by the Otago Harbour.
Mr Key told a crowd of about 500 at the opening that the stadium was incredibly important for Dunedin, and for Otago.
He noted the $15 million the Government contributed had been given because the future of the city was linked to the strength of the University of Otago, and the stadium was "integral to the growth of the university and the medical school".
Mayor Dave Cull said the stadium had been built pretty much on time and on budget - "It is a phenomenal achievement, by any measure, very worthy of celebration."
Teams from Otago University's Knox and Selwyn Colleges played the first game.
