Elton John to Open Forsyth Barr Stadium

Singer-songwriter Sir Elton John will be the first major act booked for Dunedin's new roofed stadium.

The $200 million stadium is expected to open in August and will host Rugby World Cup games before the concert at the end of the year.

Sir Elton's concert at the Forsyth Barr Stadium, which will mark its formal opening, will be the first time he has visited the South Island in 20 years, the Otago Daily Times reported.

Promoter Phil Sprey said fans would be delighted to hear Sir Elton was coming back to the South Island for the first time in 20 years.

The concert, featuring Sir Elton and his whole band, will help showcase the all-year-round potential that the venue offers by being New Zealand's only fully covered stadium.

Dunedin Venues Chief Executive David Davies stated "this is a fantastic coup for the city.

"With his music spanning four decades, this will attract a huge crowd of young and old from the city, region and beyond. (Sir) Elton will set a benchmark for performances to come in the stadium. This concert is going to be a big show and a real performance â but most importantly this is an international vote of confidence in Dunedin's ability to deliver world-class events."