This weekend is just right. Forsyth Barr Stadium is sold out for the Ireland All Black test and accommodation is scarce. Both loyal rugby followers and those more on the margins can join in the fun and camaraderie.
Sorry about the bad weather forecast. The predicted rain and strong, cold winds have prompted organizers to cancel the Winter Octafun event. It was to provide live entertainment to rugby fans in the Octagon tonight and tomorrow night.
While it may have been sunny and pleasant this past week, that seems to be about to change.
But fans and the city can still create a virtual wild midwinter weather. Enjoy the indoor venues, including the fact that Forsyth Barr Stadium itself is covered. Wrap up with many layers and be bold and brave. Let the warmth come from within and among the people.
There is a certain excitement when the weather is stormy when the elements are close.
Figures are often quoted about economic benefit as visitors pour in from all over the country and the south and as people open their wallets. This perk is especially important as hospitality turns into an exciting sprint after stumbling and limping through the worst of Covid.
More important than the dollars, however, is the sense of togetherness and community, the feel-good factor. Rugby is not and never will be everyone’s dose of fun. But there is enough support for the region to party.
Ireland, second in the Six Nations behind France, and recently beating the All Blacks three times, are a strong opponent last Saturday night regardless of the size of the (flattering) margin at Eden Park, Auckland.
Ireland was a hot and beloved favorite in Dunedin when it played against Italy at the World Cup in 2011, not long after the stadium opened. The arena went green and many picked up Irish roots. This time, the city can loyally embrace black.
Tomorrow night’s test has been a long time coming. Last year’s 100th anniversary test between the All Blacks and the Springboks, scheduled for Dunedin, would have been even bigger. But Covid crushed that possibility.
Positive news came this week that the Red Hot Chili Peppers will be performing at the stadium in January next year. This will be the first major concert at the venue since 2019. A series of shows are expected next year as things slowly return to normal.
Forsyth Barr should also be able to be used again for large student concerts and meetings of orientation and reorientation. Coincidentally, this weekend is extra busy for Dunedin, as the students return for the start of the second semester.
The news this week that most entries support Christchurch Stadium to go ahead despite the horrendous cost of $683 million and still is, was no surprise. It seems the plans are too far off for enough people to take a rethink seriously.
It’s hard to see the Christchurch City Council, which is issuing an appeal next Thursday, making the sensible call to reject the over-ambitious plans.
Since the stadium will seat 30,000 – compared to 28,500 in Dunedin – and all of Christchurch’s other benefits are to be exploited, the South should make the most of Forsyth Barr while it can.
Rugby will not allocate key tests to Dunedin if it can make more money from Christchurch. And it will be extremely difficult to convince promoters to take their artists further south.
In the meantime, however, whatever the weather and other conditions bring us, we can enjoy another great rugby test. The city has a tradition of making the most of such events and is doing so again.