Otago United has a new home for the ASB Premiership, playing five of its seven home games at the covered stadium.
United will gets its first competitive taste of the surface on Sunday, November 6 when it plays defending champion Waitakere United.
Confirmation of the stadium's availability for five matches has delighted Otago United coach Richard Murray.
"A good playing surface is so important in football if you want to aim for a controlled passing game," he said yesterday.
"Especially early on, a couple of good passes with the ball running true builds confidence."
The possibility of attracting more supporters also appeals to Murray and his team.
"It's like having an extra man when you have a big noisy crowd giving support, and the new stadium venue should produce an increase in numbers."
Otago faces a stiff challenge against Wellington in the opening round at Wellington's Dave Farrington Park on Sunday, and no doubt comparisons will be made with the future venue.
Due to previous booking, Otago will still have to play a couple of games elsewhere, one at the Caledonian Ground and one at Tahuna Park.
Football has already made its debut at the new stadium, with the Phoenix playing the Roar in a pre-season game. The sides return in December for a full A-League game.
Dunedin Venues chief executive David Davies said Otago United games were "a great addition to the stadium sporting calendar".
"We've already seen that Dunedin and the Otago region have a real passion for football and we hope to see the fans support the local guys and enjoy the atmosphere in the covered stadium."
Otago United chairman Dave Lamont said the team would be the envy of the league with its new facilities.
Tickets for United matches are on sale now, from Ticket Direct.
Options include adult ($13), student ($10) and family ($28). A season pass ($55) is available only from the stadium box office.
