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Carisbrook (sometimes incorrectly referred to as Carisbrook Stadium) was a major sporting venue in Dunedin, New Zealand. The city's main domestic and international rugby union venue, it was also used for other sports such as cricket, football, rugby league and motocross. In 1922, Carisbrook hosted the first international football match between Australia and New Zealand. The hosts won 3–1.

Key Information

Carisbrook also hosted a Joe Cocker concert and frequently hosted pre-game concerts before rugby matches in the 1990s. In 2011 Carisbrook was closed, and was replaced as a rugby ground by Forsyth Barr Stadium in North Dunedin, and as a cricket ground by University Oval in Logan Park.

History

[edit]

Located at the foot of The Glen, a steep valley, the ground was flanked by the South Island Main Trunk Railway and the Hillside Railway Workshops, two miles southwest of Dunedin city centre in the suburb of Caversham. State Highway 1 also ran close to the northern perimeter of the ground.

Carisbrook was named after the estate of early colonial settler James Macandrew (itself named after Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight). Developed during the 1870s, it was first used for international cricket in 1883, when Otago hosted a team from Tasmania, and for Test cricket from 1955. It hosted rugby union internationals from 1908.

Floodlit since the 1990s, it could cater for both day and night fixtures. Known locally simply as "The Brook", it was branded with the name "The House of Pain", due to its reputation as a difficult venue for visiting rugby teams.[2] The stadium was home to both the Highlanders in Super Rugby and Otago in the ITM Cup through each side's respective 2011 season. It also hosted 38 All Blacks test matches.

It is also the former home of Otago cricket, which moved to the University Oval at Logan Park in the north of the city after its redevelopment in the early 2000s. Between 1884 and 2008 Carisbrook hosted 252 first-class cricket matches, including, between 1955 and 1998, 10 Test cricket matches.[3][4]

It was also the home ground of Otago United in the New Zealand Football Championship, which moved to the lower-capacity Sunnyvale Park for the 2008–09 season.

Stands

[edit]

The ground's final regular capacity was around 30,000, but it hosted crowds as high as 42,000 with temporary seating.[5] Until 1998 the sides of the Caversham bypass motorway allowed a free view of the ground and was known as the "Scotsman's Grandstand". Occasionally trains would slow to a crawl or stop on the track above the stadium, allowing passengers to watch. In 1998 a new stand and corporate boxes were built that blocked the view.[6]

Partly due to Dunedin's relatively large number of tertiary students (20,000 of the city's 120,000 population), Carisbrook had a unique atmosphere.[7] This was enhanced by the terraces, an uncovered concrete embankment at the eastern end of the ground.[8]

Retirement and recycling

[edit]

On 9 August 2006, a proposal was announced that would see Carisbrook retired and a 30,000 capacity covered stadium built in Dunedin North, close to other major sporting facilities such as Logan Park and the University Oval.[9] Construction and ownership of the new $NZ 198 million stadium,[10] officially named the Forsyth Barr Stadium at University Plaza, would be overseen by the Carisbrook Stadium Trust.[11] Until the new stadium was completed, all international and Super Rugby games were still held at Carisbrook.

The last international game was expected to be the All Blacks versus South Africa Tri Nations match on 12 July 2008. However, the All Blacks returned to Carisbrook to play France on 13 June 2009[12] and finally Wales on 19 June 2010.[2] This game meant that the All Blacks had played every major test-playing nation at Carisbrook. A later test match, destined to be the last at the ground, was scheduled between New Zealand and Fiji as a fundraiser for the Christchurch earthquake appeal on 22 July 2011.

On 11 May 2011 the Dunedin City Council decided that Carisbrook would be sold after the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Demolition work was begun at the start of 2012, with the floodlight towers being dismantled and sent up to Christchurch for use by the new temporary Christchurch Rugby Stadium at Addington Showgrounds, to allow that city a first-class ground while AMI Stadium awaits rebuilding. Originally the floodlights were to be reused at the University Oval for day/night cricket matches. The corporate box stand, which was only 14 years old, was always designed to be dismantled for use elsewhere, and there are proposals to move parts of the structure to University Oval and some to Queenstown's Stadium. The turnstile building on Neville Street is a category I historic building and would be protected during any potential developments on the site.[13]

Carisbrook was sold to the Dunedin City Council in 2009 for $7,000,000. It was sold on in 2013 for $4,700,000.[14]

Historic events

[edit]
  • 1884 2 February – First major cricket match at Carisbrook, Otago v Tasmania
  • 1886 22 November – First international cricket match at Carisbrook, Otago v Australia
  • 1908 30 May – First Otago Rugby defeat of international side, Anglo-Welsh
  • 1908 30 June – First Rugby Test at Carisbrook (NZ v Anglo-Welsh)
  • 1922 17 June – New Zealand's first full international football (soccer) match, a 3–1 win to New Zealand over Australia[15]
  • 1924 9 August – First Rugby League Test at Carisbrook (NZ v England Lions)
  • 1930 21 June – First All Black defeat at Carisbrook (by Great Britain)
  • 1936 1 August – First Ranfurly Shield match at Carisbrook
  • 1955 11 March – First cricket Test at Carisbrook, New Zealand v England[16]
  • 1987 May–June – Rugby World Cup games (Italy 18, Fiji 15; Ireland 46, Canada 19)
  • 1991 21 September – Otago wins NPC Final against Auckland
  • 1992 12 March – Cricket World Cup (New Zealand vs India)
  • 1992 27 September – First extra time in a rugby match in New Zealand (Otago 26, North Harbour 23)
  • 1993 July – Rugby, New Zealand v Australia, largest attendance at the ground, 42 000.
  • 1996 3 March – First Super 12 match at Carisbrook (Otago Highlanders 57, Queensland 17)
  • 1998 25 October – National Provincial Championship Division 1 Final (Otago vs Waikato)
  • 1998 18 December – Last cricket Test at Carisbrook, New Zealand v India
  • 1999 29 May – 1999 Super 12 Final (Highlanders vs Crusaders)
  • 1999 12–21 November – Group stage matches and one quarter-final of the FIFA Under-17 Soccer World Championship
  • 2001 11 August – First win by Australia over the All Blacks (23–15) at the venue
  • 2005 27 August – The last International Rugby match (All Blacks 31, South Africa 27) before the NZRFU deemed Carisbrook to no longer be a suitable venue for international rugby
  • 2008 12 July – After a 3-year absence of international rugby at Carisbrook a Tri Nations match between All Blacks and South Africa was played. It was South Africa's first win at Carisbrook, beating the All Blacks 30–28.[17]
  • 2010 19 June – The last official rugby Test against a "Tier 1" nation was played at the ground (All Blacks vs Wales), with the All Blacks winning 42–9.
  • 2011 3 June – The final Highlanders match at Carisbrook saw the Western Force defeat the Highlanders 21–14.
  • 2011 22 July – The All Blacks defeated Fiji 60–14 in the final Test match, which served as a fundraiser for Christchurch earthquake relief.
  • 2012 January – Dismantlement begins with floodlight towers being sent to Christchurch.

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Carisbrook

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from Grokipedia
Carisbrook was a historic multi-purpose stadium located in the southern suburb of Caversham in Dunedin, New Zealand, primarily renowned as the home ground for the Otago Rugby Football Union and a venue for international cricket and rugby union matches over more than a century. Originally developed as a cricket ground in 1874 by the Carisbrook Cricket Club on land previously owned by the Presbyterian Church, the site was named after Carisbrook Castle on the Isle of Wight, reflecting early settler influences. The Carisbrook Ground Company was established in 1880 to prepare and drain the swampy area for sporting use, with the first major cricket match—an intercolonial fixture between Otago and Tasmania—held there in 1884. Rugby quickly became dominant after the Otago Rugby Football Union acquired the lease in 1906 and the freehold in 1969, transforming it into New Zealand's premier southern sports venue; by 1965, its capacity had expanded to 45,000 spectators through successive upgrades to stands and terraces in the 1910s, 1920s, 1930s, 1950s, 1960s, 1980s, and 1990s. Known as "The House of Pain" due to the intimidating atmosphere and Otago's strong home record—where visiting international teams, including the All Blacks' opponents, frequently suffered defeats—it hosted its first Test match in 1908 (New Zealand's 32–5 win over the Anglo-Welsh side) and the last in 2011 (New Zealand's 60–14 victory over Fiji). Beyond rugby, it served as a community hub for events like Queen Elizabeth II's 1954 visit and local cricket, underscoring its cultural significance in Otago's sporting heritage. The stadium's closure in 2011, following the opening of the modern , marked the end of an era, with demolition completed between 2012 and 2013; today, only remnants like the Category 1 heritage-listed Turnstile Building (constructed 1926) survive as symbols of its legacy. Carisbrook's role in fostering New Zealand's rugby passion and its status as a Category 1 historic place highlight its enduring impact on national and regional identity.

Overview

Location and Basic Information

Carisbrook was a located on Hillside Road in South , , within the suburb of Caversham, and situated in a natural amphitheater formed by the steep sides of The Glen valley. Its geographic coordinates are 45°53′37″S 170°29′26″E. The venue primarily hosted and matches but also accommodated , , trotting, swimming, and concerts over its operational history. Ownership of the site began with the Carisbrook Ground Company, formed in 1880 and registered in 1881 to develop and manage the grounds. In 2009, the City Council purchased the stadium from the for NZ$7 million to facilitate its transition and redevelopment. The stadium opened in 1883, served as a key venue until its closure in 2011, and was subsequently demolished between 2012 and 2013. It was replaced for rugby by and for by University Oval.

Significance and Nicknames

Carisbrook held profound cultural and sporting significance in , particularly as the iconic home ground for provincial rugby and in . It served as the spiritual home of the (ORFU) for over a century, hosting countless matches that fostered deep community ties and regional pride. Similarly, it was the primary venue for the , contributing to the city's identity as a hub for both codes. The stadium earned the enduring nickname "" due to its intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams, especially in rugby, where rowdy crowds created relentless pressure. This reputation stemmed from the passionate, vocal supporters who turned matches into grueling ordeals for opponents. On a broader scale, Carisbrook symbolized Dunedin's sporting heritage by hosting international events, including matches such as versus and versus . Attendance records underscored the community's fervor, with 38,000 spectators during the 1993 All Blacks versus rugby test, often bolstered by temporary seating. The stadium's natural bowl setting, surrounded by rising hills, enhanced its acoustics and views, amplifying crowd noise from the steep terraces and solidifying its fearsome status.

History

Origins and Early Development

Carisbrook originated as a ground established in 1874 by the Carisbrook Club on land leased from the Presbyterian Church, initially a swampy area near Carisbrook Creek. The Carisbrook Ground Company was formed in 1880 to acquire and develop the site in , , specifically for use as a ground and for other sporting activities. The company, established by local enthusiasts including the Carisbrook Club, focused on preparing the land through , drainage improvements, and basic construction to transform the rough, swampy terrain near Carisbrook Creek into a viable . This effort addressed the site's natural challenges, such as poor soil and waterlogging, which had previously limited its usability for organized play. The first major match occurred on 2 February 1884, when faced a touring Tasmanian team in a three-day fixture that drew significant local interest. At this stage, the venue featured a basic oval field with rudimentary seating, including a small timber and a simple corrugated iron , providing limited accommodation for spectators amid ongoing terrain enhancements. Rugby began to be played at Carisbrook in the mid-1880s, with the first major game occurring in 1886 when hosted a visiting side. By the 1890s, the ground had become the primary venue for rugby matches, as local clubs like were invited to share the facility, solidifying its dual-sport purpose. Gradual improvements to drainage and leveling continued to support this transition, allowing rugby to complement without major structural changes. A pivotal early came on 6 1908, when Carisbrook hosted its first international rugby test match, with defeating the touring team 32–5 in front of 23,000 spectators. This event, following the Otago Rugby Football Union's acquisition of the lease in 1906, highlighted the venue's growing stature in national rugby. Over time, Carisbrook evolved into a multi-sport hub, accommodating both and rugby as core activities.

Expansions and Modernization

The expansions at Carisbrook began in earnest during the 1920s to accommodate growing attendances for rugby and cricket matches. In 1921, the existing grandstand was extended, followed by a further extension to the Main Grandstand in 1927, designed by architects Miller and White. The first Henry Rose Stand was constructed in 1937 to boost seating capacity, while drainage improvements were undertaken in the 1940s to address persistent waterlogging issues exacerbated by Dunedin's wet climate. By 1959, the Neville Street Stand—a 4,000-seat open structure—was completed and later roofed to provide better shelter for spectators. These upgrades enabled Carisbrook to host its first cricket Test match on 11 March 1955, when New Zealand faced England. Further improvements in the and focused on enhancing spectator facilities and field quality. The terraces were extended in 1964, and in 1965, the original Henry Rose Stand was replaced with a larger covered version accommodating 4,000 seats, raising the overall capacity to around 45,000. In 1969, the acquired the freehold from the Presbyterian Church. A new 1,400-seat grandstand, including a and television camera platform, was built in 1976. The playing surface was fully reconstructed in 1983 to improve playability amid ongoing drainage challenges, often derisively called "Lake Carisbrook" due to heavy rainfall. These developments, funded through community appeals and (ORFU) investments, prepared the venue for major international events, including matches in 1987. By the late , capacity had stabilized at approximately 30,000 for seated and standing attendees combined. The 1990s saw substantial modernization to transform Carisbrook into a multi-functional . The Main Stand was replaced between 1991 and 1992, accompanied by a new system, while a modern complex with corporate suites was added behind the terraces from 1992 to 1994 at a cost of $4.5 million. The Hillside Stand, an open $750,000 structure, opened in 1994, and the terraces were formalized and redeveloped in 1997 with updated facilities. Lighting was improved in 1998, coinciding with the opening of the Railway Stand, and a $4 million hospitality complex was integrated into the terraces. These community-driven efforts, including public funding appeals totaling $2.75 million in 1991, addressed safety and comfort amid rising event demands. In the early , final adjustments prioritized safety and revenue generation. Corporate suites were constructed in , and the informal "Scotsman's Stand"—a popular vantage point along the nearby embankment—was blocked off by infilling to mitigate risks. Temporary seating was occasionally added for high-profile rugby and internationals, though ongoing drainage enhancements remained a challenge in Dunedin's inclement weather, requiring periodic turf maintenance.

Facilities

Stands and Seating Areas

The Main Stand, located on the western side of the ground, served as the primary covered grandstand, offering sheltered premium viewing positions close to the playing field. First constructed in (with later extensions) and fully redeveloped in 1992, it featured tiered seating that provided unobstructed sightlines and was a focal point for dignitaries and holders; a modern complex with corporate suites and large seating lounges was added in 1993–1994. On the northern side, the catered specifically to club members and affiliates, with additions dating to the that included reserved seating areas. Adjacent to this was the Rose Stand at the northwest corner near Burns and Murrayfield Streets, which provided additional covered options for members and featured a distinctive design that integrated with the stadium's heritage elements. The southern and eastern sides were dominated by the Terraces, large uncovered concrete embankments designed for standing spectators, which sloped steeply to create a sense of enclosure and amplify crowd noise during matches. These areas, popular among students and vocal supporters known as "scarfies," fostered an intense atmosphere that contributed to Carisbrook's nickname as the "" for visiting teams. The northern terrace included a designated area with more accessible standing space, while the Neville Street Stand on the south provided an open, later roofed, alternative for general admission viewers. Other notable features included the Hillside Stand at the southeast end, an open structure added in for broader viewing options, and the Railway Stand built in on the northern side near Murrayfield Street, which offered modern amenities like improved access. Prior to , the nearby Caversham bypass motorway overlook, informally called the Scotsman's , had provided free external viewing but was closed for reasons, redirecting spectators to the official areas. Carisbrook's natural setting in a steep-sided valley ensured elevated sightlines from all stands and terraces, immersing viewers in the action regardless of position and enhancing the overall experience.

Capacity and Key Infrastructure

Carisbrook's permanent stood at approximately 29,000, though this could be expanded to up to 42,000 through the addition of temporary stands during major rugby matches. The venue's rugby pitch measured the standard 100 meters in length by 70 meters in width, while the cricket oval approximated 150 meters in diameter to accommodate both codes. Floodlights were installed in 1998, consisting of four 48-meter-tall galvanized steel towers to enable night games, marking a significant upgrade from the venue's earlier daylight-only operations. The drainage system faced ongoing challenges due to Dunedin's rainy and the site's historical swampy origins, prompting multiple upgrades over the years to mitigate waterlogging issues that had persisted since the ground's early development. Prior to the 2000s, accessibility features were limited, with much of the venue relying on terraced standing areas rather than extensive modern amenities, and no overarching left spectators and players fully exposed to the elements. General crowd management protocols evolved following safety concerns in prior decades.

Sports and Events

Rugby Usage

Carisbrook served as the primary home ground for the , hosting provincial matches since the late 19th century as the region's central venue for domestic competitions. From 1996, it became the base for the Otago Highlanders in the inaugural season, accommodating the franchise's professional-era fixtures until the stadium's closure in 2011. The ground's rugby-centric design, with its natural amphitheater layout, supported Otago's participation in national tournaments like the National Provincial Championship, where it hosted key provincial derbies and defenses. Internationally, Carisbrook was a prominent host for New Zealand's national team, staging 38 All Blacks test matches between 1908 and 2011 against major touring sides including , , , and the British and Irish Lions. It also featured as a key venue for contests, where mounted numerous successful defenses, such as the record 18 holds following their 1947 victory over Southland, drawing large crowds for these high-stakes domestic challenges. The stadium also hosted test matches during international tours, including against the British and Irish Lions in 1950, 1959, 1966, 1971, and 1977, which highlighted its role in New Zealand's international rugby calendar. The stadium's terraces, particularly the southern embankment, cultivated a distinctive and intimidating atmosphere, with vocal crowds—often including rowdy university students known as "scarfies"—creating a psychological edge that earned Carisbrook the nickname "House of Pain" among opponents. This intense, parochial support amplified the venue's reputation as a fortress, where the sloping terrain and close-quarters terracing allowed spectators to dominate proceedings with chants and fervor, pressuring visiting teams. Rugby usage at Carisbrook evolved from its amateur roots in the early , when matches emphasized local and provincial play, to the professional era post-1995, marked by the introduction of and enhanced facilities for televised broadcasts and larger crowds. This shift brought structured training regimes and commercial elements, yet preserved the ground's traditional intensity, with adaptations like temporary seating to meet growing demands. Attendance patterns reflected rugby's deep cultural hold in , with consistent sell-outs for provincial and international games; turnouts peaked during the 1990s boom, exemplified by over 40,000 fans for Otago's 1998 National Provincial Championship final victory. Such figures underscored the venue's draw, often exceeding 30,000 for Highlanders home matches and All Blacks tests, before stabilizing in the 2000s amid professionalization.

Cricket and Other Sports

Carisbrook served as the primary home venue for the Otago Volts, the representative cricket team of the Cricket Association, hosting numerous domestic matches and serving as a key outground for international tours throughout its history. The ground accommodated 10 Test matches between 1955 and 1998, beginning with New Zealand's encounter against from 11 to 16 March 1955, which won by eight wickets. The final Test, scheduled against from 18 to 22 December 1998, was abandoned without a ball bowled due to persistent rain. Beyond , Carisbrook hosted a variety of other sports, reflecting its role as a multipurpose venue in . It was the site of New Zealand's inaugural full international match on 17 June 1922, where the All Whites defeated 3–1 before a crowd of around 10,000 spectators. The ground also regularly featured athletics meets, including the New Zealand Athletic Championship in February 1894 and the national championships in 1948. Additionally, it staged exhibitions, such as demonstrations by United States Navy crews from visiting destroyers in August 1925, introducing the sport to local audiences. Non-sporting events further diversified Carisbrook's usage, with the venue hosting and community gatherings that drew large crowds. Rock shows were prominent in the 1980s, alongside later performances like Joe Cocker's in 1998, which attracted thousands despite rainy conditions. These events often served as pre-match entertainment or standalone attractions, enhancing the site's community role. The shared calendar between and rugby seasons posed ongoing challenges for pitch maintenance, as the grass surface required adaptations for both codes, including careful scheduling to minimize wear and ensure playability. Following Carisbrook's closure, activities relocated to the University Oval.

Closure and Aftermath

Retirement and Replacement

The sold Carisbrook to the City Council in June 2009 for $7 million, a transaction that helped alleviate the union's financial debts and facilitated the site's transition to public ownership as part of the broader redevelopment plans. The marked the beginning of an operational wind-down, with the council assuming responsibility for maintenance while preparations advanced for the venue's retirement. This sale aligned with the council's March 2008 decision to pursue a new covered , rendering Carisbrook's continued use untenable. The replacement of Carisbrook was driven by the need for a modern facility to address the original venue's aging infrastructure, including outdated seating, limited coverage from weather elements, and insufficient amenities to meet international standards for rugby and multi-sport events. 's selection as a host city for the necessitated a compliant venue with enhanced capacity and all-weather capabilities, as Carisbrook's open design and structural limitations could no longer support or global tournaments effectively. , a fully roofed venue with over 30,000 seats, opened on 5 August 2011 in North to serve as the primary replacement for rugby, while University Oval assumed cricket responsibilities. Carisbrook's closure unfolded through a series of final events in 2011, culminating in the last rugby test on 22 July, where defeated 60-14 in a fundraiser for the earthquakes. The venue's absolute final match occurred on 6 August, an ITM Cup provincial game in which Southland defeated 19-12, drawing crowds to witness the end of 128 years of operation. The community response to Carisbrook's retirement was marked by mixed emotions, blending nostalgia for its storied past with acceptance of the need for modernization, as evidenced by attendance at the farewell matches that honored the ground's legacy as the "." These events provided a poignant send-off, reflecting both sorrow over the loss of a historic and optimism for the opportunities offered by the new facilities.

Demolition and Site Redevelopment

Demolition of Carisbrook commenced in January 2012, with initial work focusing on the dismantlement of the towers, which were relocated to Christchurch's Park to support post-earthquake rugby events there. The process continued progressively through 2013, involving the removal of stands, seating, and other infrastructure, and reached its final stage in August 2013, with completion targeted by of that year. The site was sold by the City Council to construction firm Calder Stewart in June 2013 for $3.5 million under a conditional agreement that required the demolition of most structures, excluding the heritage-listed building. This transaction resulted in the council recouping approximately $4.7 million overall from the sale and related elements, though it incurred a net loss of $3.46 million when accounting for prior acquisition and holding costs. Calder Stewart handled the clearance as part of the deal, enabling the transformation of the former into an industrial zone. A preliminary ground contamination investigation conducted in 2007 identified potential from historical site use, prompting considerations for remediation during . Waste minimization efforts were integrated into the , emphasizing the reuse of materials where feasible to reduce impact, though specific recycling volumes for and were not publicly detailed. By 2021, redevelopment plans advanced with the construction of a new PlaceMakers on the site, spanning 3,200 for trade supplies. The facility became fully operational in July 2022, marking the site's shift to commercial use alongside adjacent buildings. As of 2025, the area remains dedicated to non-sporting commercial activities, with no provisions for athletic facilities.

Legacy

Notable Matches and Records

Carisbrook hosted several landmark rugby matches, including fixtures from the inaugural 1987 Rugby World Cup. Among these were Canada's 19-46 loss to Ireland on 30 May, and Fiji's 15-18 defeat to Italy on 31 May, all contributing to the stadium's role in the tournament's pool stages. The stadium's final international rugby test occurred on 22 July 2011, when New Zealand defeated Fiji 60-14 in a pre-Rugby World Cup warm-up match that also raised funds for the Canterbury earthquake recovery efforts. Colin Slade starred with 19 points on his starting debut for the All Blacks, who scored nine tries in a dominant performance before 15,000 spectators. In domestic rugby, Carisbrook was the site of key challenges and defenses for , including their 17-6 victory over on 21 September 1991, which marked the beginning of a dominant era that saw Otago embark on a 25-match from 1991 to 1994. This period highlighted the venue's significance in Otago's provincial successes, with the team securing the NPC title in 1991 after a 17-6 win over Auckland earlier that season. Cricket at Carisbrook featured notable Test matches, beginning with the first ever hosted there from 11-16 March 1955, where defeated by 8 wickets despite rain interruptions; scored 125 and 132, while replied with 209/8 declared and 49/2. In a friendly match on 21 December 1998, scored 304/6 to beat (238/8) by 66 runs. Beyond rugby and , Carisbrook hosted New Zealand's first men's international football match on 17 June 1922, a 3-1 victory over in the opening game of a three-match series, with goals from (2) and G. Knott drawing a crowd of around and establishing the rivalry. Attendance records at Carisbrook peaked during high-profile All Blacks tests, with 41,000 spectators witnessing New Zealand's 22-14 win over on 9 July 1994, one of the venue's largest crowds for an international fixture. Similarly, the 1991 All Blacks match against drew approximately 42,000 fans, reflecting the stadium's capacity and the electric atmosphere for and home internationals. Over its history, Carisbrook was a fortress for the All Blacks, hosting 40 Test matches with 34 wins, a success rate of 85 percent, including undefeated streaks against spanning decades. The venue also hosted New Zealand women's rugby internationals, such as the Black Ferns' 40-0 victory over on 16 August 1997, part of their early dominance following the team's inaugural in 1991.

Cultural and Historical Impact

Carisbrook holds an iconic status as a symbol of Otago pride, embodying the region's fierce rugby heritage and serving as the spiritual home of the Otago Rugby Football Union for over a century. Nicknamed "The House of Pain" for its intimidating atmosphere that challenged visiting teams, it fostered a deep sense of community identity among Dunedin residents, drawing generations of fans to its terraces and stands. This legacy is captured in works such as the book Test Century: 100 Years of Test Rugby at Carisbrook, which chronicles its role in hosting 37 All Blacks tests and numerous landmark victories. The stadium's farewell in 2010, marked by extensive media coverage including television broadcasts and newspaper retrospectives, further cemented its place in New Zealand's sporting folklore, evoking widespread nostalgia for its raw, unyielding character. The community legacy of Carisbrook extends beyond its playing days, having nurtured a passionate fanbase that spanned multiple generations and reinforced social bonds in . Events like the 2019 legends gathering in brought together former players and supporters to share stories, highlighting the stadium's enduring emotional pull and its role in preserving oral histories of local rugby culture. Architecturally, the preserved building, listed as a Category 1 historic place by in 2008, represents one of the earliest colonial sports venues in the region, reflecting the evolution of organized and rugby in 19th-century since its establishment in 1874. Carisbrook's broader influence shaped national debates on stadium design, particularly around balancing open-air traditions with modern covered facilities, as seen in the discussions over its upgrades amid concerns for rugby and cricket's future. It also provided significant economic boosts to , with international test matches generating up to NZ$18 million per event through and local spending. In contemporary remembrance, nostalgic media continues to evoke its history, such as 2025 Instagram reels revisiting All Blacks triumphs at the venue, though the site itself—demolished in 2013—lacks active preservation beyond the turnstile building, now part of a .

References

  1. https://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/7782
  2. https://www.orfu.co.nz/about-us/history
  3. https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/venue/carisbrook-stadium-dunedin
  4. https://www.heritage.org.nz/list-details/7782/Listing
  5. http://www.newzealandatoz.com/index.php/page/display/839/
  6. https://mapcarta.com/36567040
  7. https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/other-sport/carisbrook-truly-multipurpose-stadium
  8. https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/dunedin-heritage/thematic-study/dunedin-contextual-thematic-history/content/thematic-vol1-theme3-socialandculturealinstitutions.pdf
  9. https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/2506647/DCC-gets-Carisbrook-for-7m
  10. https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2037357/dunedin-city-council-buys-carisbrook-stadium
  11. https://dunedin.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/215921
  12. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/dunedin-city-council-buys-carisbrook/T4KXVRBGEYCPI3DRQ2PAPCSFOU/
  13. https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/carisbrook-legends-and-stories-live
  14. https://www.orfu.co.nz/ABOUT-US/AboutHistory-2
  15. https://nzhistory.govt.nz/page/otago-rugby
  16. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2033639-ranking-the-10-most-intimidating-stadiums-in-world-rugby
  17. https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/rugby-all-black-history-carisbrook
  18. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricket-grounds/carisbrook-dunedin-58822
  19. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/tasmania-tour-of-new-zealand-1883-84-629893/otago-vs-tasmania-629901/full-scorecard
  20. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-new-zealand-1954-55-61780/new-zealand-vs-england-1st-test-62787/full-scorecard
  21. https://www.reuters.com/article/sports/rain-spoils-dunedin-s-arrival-on-international-stage-idUSJOE92502D/
  22. https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW19120103.2.208
  23. https://www.odt.co.nz/lifestyle/magazine/carisbrook-seating-new-sporting-piste-setting
  24. https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/3824215/Farewell-to-Carisbrook-the-House-of-Pain
  25. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/5329492/Carisbrook-Farewell-to-a-grand-old-ground
  26. https://www.austadiums.com/stadiums/carisbrook
  27. https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/delta-defends-decision-sell
  28. https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1112/S00198/carisbrook-lights-to-shine-on-canterbury.htm
  29. https://teara.govt.nz/en/sports-venues/print
  30. https://kids.kiddle.co/Carisbrook
  31. https://scnz.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/COVERING-THE-FIELD-DESIGN-AND-CONSTRUCTION-OF-FORSYTH-BARR-STADIUM-ROOF-Robertson-min.pdf
  32. https://www.rugbydatabase.co.nz/venue/team-games.php?venueId=75&teamId=3
  33. https://www.lionsrugby.com/en/news/house-of-pain-comes-to-end-of-road
  34. https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/other-sport/greatest-moments-otago-sport-number-32
  35. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-new-zealand-1998-99-62318/new-zealand-vs-india-1st-test-64146/full-scorecard
  36. https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/40926/new-zealand-plays-australia-1922
  37. https://dunedin.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/37180
  38. https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/100-years-ago/us-sailors-play-ball
  39. https://www.setlist.fm/venue/carisbrook-dunedin-new-zealand-13d7d9ad.html
  40. https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/cricket/international-cricket-should-take-priority
  41. https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/carisbrook-deal-believed-be-7m
  42. https://www.istructe.org/journal/volumes/volume-89-%28published-in-2011%29/issue-17/forsyth-barr-stadium-dunedin%2C-new-zealand-a-new-fu/
  43. https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/41326/forsyth-barr-stadium-dunedin
  44. https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/final-curtain-brook
  45. https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/rugby-southland-beats-otago-19-12-final-brook-game
  46. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/5402442/Southland-beats-Otago-in-Carisbrook-farewell
  47. https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/rugby-home-side-fails-fire-sad-farewell-carisbrook
  48. https://www.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/15300837/the-house-pain
  49. https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/rugby/2011-07-23-new-zealands-house-of-pain-finally-laid-to-rest/
  50. https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/other-sport/sports-venues-lights-heading-north
  51. https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/final-stage-carisbrook-demolition
  52. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/138787/carisbrook-bought-by-construction-company
  53. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/213609/council-lost-%243-point-5m-on-carisbrook-deals
  54. https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/carisbrook-34m-loss-confirmed
  55. https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/council/district-plan/district-plan-2006/district-plan-changes/stadium/contents/original-application/Preliminary-Ground-Contamination-Investigation.pdf
  56. https://www.odt.co.nz/business/placemakers-plans-bigger-store-carisbrook
  57. https://calderstewart.co.nz/projects/111/placemakers/
  58. https://underconstruction.placemakers.co.nz/tag/july-2022/page/2/
  59. https://www.world.rugby/beta/match/2183
  60. https://www.world.rugby/beta/match/2190
  61. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jul/22/all-blacks-fiji-match-report
  62. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2011-07-22/new-zealand-defeats-fiji-60-14-in-season-opening-rugby-test-in-dunedin
  63. https://www.rugbydatabase.co.nz/game.php?gameId=7749
  64. https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/otago-channelling-%25E2%2580%259991-%25E2%2580%259998-glory-days
  65. https://i.imgci.com/db/ARCHIVE/1998-99/IND_IN_NZ/SCORECARDS/IND_NZ_OD_21DEC1998.html
  66. https://www.11v11.com/matches/new-zealand-v-australia-17-june-1922-223256/
  67. https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/newsarticle/116885?newsfeedId=569500
  68. https://bokhist.com/StadiumData.aspx?StadiumID=11
  69. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/3815803/A-fortress-grounded-in-folklore
  70. https://bookhub.co.nz/p/test-century-100-years-of-test-rugby-at-carisbrook
  71. https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/22728/carisbrook-1948
  72. https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/otago-daily-times/20190917/281822875503750
  73. https://popcenter.asu.edu/sites/g/files/litvpz3631/files/library/awards/goldstein/1998/98-49.pdf
  74. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQx9ot0kh7_/
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