Manager Nigel Skelt described the episode as a ‘‘hiccup’’ and said it was one of the most challenging moments of his career.
‘‘It was really sad but it tested our resolve ... I believed few people in life have a second chance. We certainly took the knowledge and we created something for the community that will stand the test of time and it’s recognised worldwide as an outstanding facility.
The Southland venue is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and a year-long programme of events is planned to mark the occasion.
Mr Skelt, who has worked at the stadium since it opened, said he was proud to see how the stadium had grown.
More than 12,000 people used the facility each week, he said.
‘‘Back in 2000, we used to have 12 events a year. This year, we will have 80. It is the most used facility in Southland.’’
Choosing the highlights from those 20 years was hard.
However, the SIT Volleyball Festival in 2014 when more than 500 tonnes of sand was trucked into the SIT Zero Fees Velodrome; the choreographed performance of El Caballo Blanco: The Dance of the White Stallions in 2012; and the world shearing and wool handling championships in in 2017 were among the most challenging events to promote.
‘‘We transformed the stadium into a shearing shed, with 4500 sheep. In the beginning, they told us we were crazy but the event was simply fantastic and we won an international award for it. We turned the dream to reality, against all the odds,’’ he laughed.
The annual ILT Variety Christmas show also holds a special place in his career and life.
He experienced the most heart-touching moments being ‘‘a close friend of Santa Claus’’.
‘‘The joy that bring to kids — I believe it will never be matched in my lifetime. It’s an incredible, overwhelming and humbling experience.
‘‘Sitting there with those kids saying to you — I just want Mum and Dad to be back together, Santa.
‘‘It is incredibly humbling to listen to their stories and to give them a feel-good factor. That is what is about.’’
For this year’s celebration, all the events are being organised for the community’s benefit.
Two international sporting fixtures and an international entertainment event are in the pipeline for the celebration.
‘‘It is very exciting but we can’t say anything yet because we still need to sign the agreements.’’
In April, Mr Skelt will also organise an attempt to be included in Guinness World Records with the biggest pillow fight in the world.
‘‘We will invite everyone to come with their PJs and have a massive pillow fight. I bet it’s gonna be a lot of fun.’’
