Mr Doorn, the incoming chief executive of Dunedin Venues, wants to see a busy calendar of sporting fixtures, a variety of entertainment and fantastic fan experiences.
He wants diversity and “anything that fills the stadium”.
He will be in charge of Forsyth Barr Stadium, the Dunedin Centre, Town Hall and University Oval from December 1, taking over from Terry Davies.
Mr Doorn was recruited from Australia, where he had been New South Wales Rugby and Waratahs chief executive.
Getting concerts on the calendar for next year will be an immediate priority.
Christchurch’s Te Kaha stadium is expected to open in 2026 and Mr Doorn sees an opportunity to gets runs on the board in the meantime.
“It’s a challenge that sits on the horizon, right?
“But I think most people are focused on just how do we bring the best and put Dunedin’s best foot forward, as opposed to worrying about somebody else,” he said.
“Theirs will be the brand new shiny toy on the marketplace, but ours will be tried and tested.
“You’ve got to play to your strengths. So don’t worry about what other people are doing, but the roof is here and now.
“Christchurch is still a while away yet, and we’ve got time to prove ourselves.”
Dunedin Venues is owned by the Dunedin City Council.
Dunedin Venues chairman Lee Piper said Forsyth Barr Stadium remained an amazing facility and people could sometimes lose sight of this. He cautioned against gloom about what was coming from Christchurch.
Mr Doorn suggested some tweaks to what is offered could be considered a bit down the track.
“Can we use the venue in different ways? Can it be modified? Can it be reduced, made more intimate to provide that little bit of extra depth that takes you between what the Dunedin Centre does versus what a 30,000-seat stadium does? Is there something in between?
“So I think that’s a really interesting opportunity and that’s something we will be exploring with the promoters.”
Asked about the possibility of a stadium hotel, Mr Doorn said accommodation in the city remained a challenge.
“I’m not privy to all the conversations that have happened … clearly accommodation is a big issue.”
He expected discussions to continue with the board and the city council.
grant.miller@odt.co.nz
