Unlocking Forsyth Barr Stadium’s Potential
Capacity Reduction System proposed to increase stadium’s utilisation
Dunedin Venues Management Ltd (DVML) has unveiled plans for a Capacity Reduction System at Forsyth Barr Stadium. The system, using a series of retractable curtains, will create a scalable indoor environment for events:
- Mini-arena mode - 3,000 to 5,000 people
- Arena mode - 8,000 to 12,000 people
- Reduced stadium mode – 12,000 to 20,000 people
- Full stadium mode – 20,000 to 38,000 people.
The proposed curtains will increase the variety of ways the stadium can be configured to capitalise on an increasing market for ‘arena’ sized music and sporting events.
The mid-tier ‘Arena Mode’ will enable the stadium to host between 8,000 and 12,000 - perfect for the mid-sized touring shows that promoters across New Zealand are increasingly seeking.
DVML says the system is designed to address a clear gap in Dunedin's current event infrastructure — one that has seen the city miss out on shows that require an venue larger than the Town Hall (2,200 seats) but more intimate than a stadium which has a capacity of 38,000 for concerts.
DVML CEO Paul Doorn says mid-sized events, often played in indoor arenas, are now the fastest-growing segment in New Zealand's touring market, and that waiting for the market to shift back is not an option.
“Mid-sized shows are the fastest-growing segment. Our vision for the Capacity Reduction System is a solution that positions Dunedin to secure events we are currently missing out on. Rather than waiting for content to return, we are investing in our ability to attract it.” -Paul Doorn, CEO, DVML
DVML says that it intends to finalise the detailed design work in the coming months with the venue’s new modes ready for summer 2026/27.
Events Dunedin could host with the new system
The CRS would open up a range of event formats the Stadium has not previously been able to host competitively. These may include:
- University events
- Large scale conferences
- Religious and cultural festivals
- National and international sporting events such as basketball, tennis, volleyball, boxing, MMA, etc.
- Comedy and other performance artists
- Bespoke entertainment acts such as Freestyle Kings and X-Games
- E-games tournaments
- Immersive and experiential entertainment
- Mid-sized concerts — one of the most in-demand touring formats globally
- High-energy DJ and music festivals, electronic music events
- Corporate awards and gala events requiring a premium, controlled environment
As a global Fan Experience Group, TEG brings together ticketing, touring, sport and live experiences under one roof, making it uniquely placed to help Dunedin capitalise on the CRS. Through its TEG Touring division, the group promotes and delivers world-class live entertainment across a broad range of content types, from major international concert tours and sporting events to immersive and cultural experiences.
Tim McGregor, Head of Global Touring at TEG said:
“Forsyth Barr Stadium’s Capacity Reduction System is a game changer for Dunedin’s position on the touring circuit. The ability to scale the venue gives promoters the flexibility to route a much wider range of content through the city, and that’s a real opportunity for TEG and our partners to deliver live experiences to Dunedin fans.”
DVML's new ticketing provider, Ticketek, would complement the CRS by offering dynamic, data-driven ticketing solutions matched to variable event capacities.
“We are delighted to be collaborating with DVML on this long-term partnership,” said Cameron Hoy, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Global Ticketing, TEG.
“Forsyth Barr Stadium and the Dunedin Centre are among New Zealand’s most dynamic venues. The introduction of the curtains into the stadium will increases the ways in which the stadium can be used – artists will welcome the ability to create the right venue for each individual event – all within the one stadium.
Ticketek and TEG are very excited about the opportunity to combining DVML’s ambition with TEG’s technology, data and innovation capability. We will work very closely together set these venues up for the next decade, ensuring every Fan experience is more seamless, more engaging and more memorable.
“Tailoring capacity to event demand gives promoters the confidence they need and ensures fans enjoy a consistently great atmosphere. We’re excited to be partnering with Ticketek at a time when we are taking clear steps to make Dunedin more competitive.”-Doorn says.
Doorn says the CRS is grounded in DVML's responsibility to support the city's economic, cultural and community goals — not just its commercial ones.
“Our job is to strengthen the Stadium’s competitiveness and deliver more value for Dunedin. This system will allow us to unlock new event categories and bring more visitors, more spending, and more live experiences to the city. It’s a focused investment with broad community benefit.”-Paul Doorn, CEO, DVML