Support For Stadium Surface Growing

Dunedin (Friday, 10 December 2010) - The development of the playing surface for the new Forsyth Barr Stadium has received a further funding boost.

The Southern Trust has allocated $50,000 towards reinforcing the natural turf surface at the roofed multi-purpose complex. The installation of a GrassMaster reinforcing system will increase the versatility of the Stadium allowing for a greater range of functions with more frequency.

The Chief Executive of the Southern Trust, Karen Shea, said “The Trustees of the Southern Trust believe that the new Stadium will provide a great benefit to various amateur sporting and recreational groups in Dunedin, as well as providing a multi-use venue for Dunedin city.

“It will be a real community facility and the support we have given towards the turf surface is an acknowledgement by the Trust of the ongoing value that will be provided by the Stadium to the wider community for many years to come”

The multi-purpose stadium, due for completion mid 2011 in time for the Rugby World Cup, is designed to host a variety of performance and sporting activities.

The use of a GrassMaster surface will greatly facilitate repeated and more intense and cost-effective use of the venue by providing year-round use for a much wider range of entertainment and sporting activities than would otherwise have been possible.

Cr Syd Brown, who made the application on behalf of the Council, said “We are very grateful to the Southern Trust for their support of the GrassMaster surface. This will greatly enhance the opportunities for Dunedin residents to become involved in a variety of amateur recreation activities and enjoy the Forsyth Barr Stadium experience.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media