Construction Facts and Figures 30,000Maximum fan capacity47Maximum height (m) of the main roof20,500Surface area (m²) of Transparent roof1,800east stand Capacity in conference configuration Construction began in June 2009 and was completed in August 2011 (in time for the Rugby World Cup) 609 foundation piles support the stadium Stadium footprint is 31,050 square metres (3.1 hectares or 7.7 acres) — big enough to host major sports and conference events with ease. Quantity of ETFE is 20,500 square metres Roof is supported by 5 arches, each with 105 metre span Maximum external height of main roof is 47 metres (12 storeys) Internal roof clearance above centre line of pitch is 37 metres (much taller than the highest observed rugby kick of 29.4 metres) The entire rectangular pitch is 132 metres long by 81 metres wide (big enough for all major sports codes) 4 stands, 5 lounges and 21 corporate suites 12 food & beverage outlets 600 new jobs created during construction; 1000 people employed for major events Net economic benefit to Otago and Dunedin estimated at $24 million per year