The Forsyth Barr Stadium party zone known as the Zoo entertained rugby fans for the last time this season on Saturday night.
The Highlanders have one more home game this season on June 29 but, with the majority of students on holiday, the Zoo will not be open.
Highlanders marketing manager Doug McSweeney said the Zoo was a "huge success" and confirmed it would be back next year.
"We'll look to review annually to ensure we keep it fresh and relevant to the target market," Mr McSweeney said.
The Highlanders have had a 70% increase in crowd numbers this season, with about 114,000 supporters through the gates over the seven home games. The entertainment provided at the Zoo is partly behind the increase, with the five matches it was open attracting the largest crowds.
Dressed in a beige safari outfit, Zoo keeper Billy Napier keeps the crowd entertained from his sound desk at the front of the Zoo's designated section on the stadium's western side.
Mr Napier, a teacher at Balmacewen Intermediate School, organises the music playlists during the game while the Highlanders' Superfans, clad in blue morph suits, entertain with dance performances.
While many ardent fans bemoan injury breaks, timeouts are Mr Napier's friend. It gives him the largest window of opportunity to play music.
Mr McSweeney said although there had been "a few" complaints from members of the public about the volume level and timing of some of the musical breaks, "we feel we now have the level and delivery correct".
Mr Napier said he understood why people might be unhappy with the musical interludes.
"I'm a rugby purist and respect that we are all there to watch and listen to the game. I try to always make sure that it [music] is played at the appropriate times and that the volume is reasonable, as I would like it if I was playing," he said.
Playing music to large crowds was one of the highlights of being the Zoo keeper for Mr Napier, who also works part-time as a DJ for a Dunedin pub.
"I'm a massive footy and music fan, so getting to watch the game and play music at the same time is pretty special."
Having large audiences listen to his choice of songs was "pretty wicked".
"At a bar at one time I have had no more than 200, but for one rugby game there was 23,000. DJs always get a buzz when you start a song and the crowd reacts in a positive way."
While the first year of the Zoo has been labelled a success, Mr Napier said changes for next year could include more themed nights and more live entertainment.
- Robert van Royen.
