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Plans have been released for a new $188 million roofed stadium for Dunedin - which the Carisbrook Stadium Trust says would be the largest indoor venue in the country.
The plan, released last night, would "put the Otago region back on the sporting, cultural and convention map with a vengeance," the trust said.
The 30,000-capacity stadium is planned for Awatea Street, near Logan Park, with sophisticated bars and cafes, retractable seating and function rooms, the Otago Daily Times reported.
Money for the project would come from the Dunedin City Council, the Otago Regional Council, the University of Otago, the Otago Community Trust, as well as by selling naming rights, corporate suites and memberships.
The stadium could be ready for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, though "significant challenges" would have to be overcome, the trust said.
Trust chairman Malcolm Farry said the new stadium blew away alternative plans.
"It's just a no-brainer. The opportunity for the city and the region and the university in the unique roofed stadium joint venture is just too good, it's pretty hard to think about the others," he told Radio New Zealand.
- NZPA
