Hornbrook played rugby on the ground for the first time in 1972, then ran the Otago Rugby Football Union (and, initially, Otago cricket) from 1984 to 2003.
In his first year in the job, the union was based in offices in the city. But space was found at Carisbrook the next year, and Hornbrook settled in for the long haul.
"There were many days where I used to take my lunch, sit out in the stand and look out on the ground," Hornbrook said.
"It's just been a special place for me and for a lot of people who like the history of Otago sport."
Hornbrook had tales of Carisbrook swimming in his mind when he prepared to play on the ground himself.
"Carisbrook was just somewhere I wanted to go. You played on it, and then you wanted to play on it again.
"It was so different to playing on a club ground. You thought you were a bit special when you played on Carisbrook.
"I talked to school kids over the years and what a thrill it was for them. I remember coaching some wee kids at Taieri. It was just massive for them to have a run on Carisbrook."
Hornbrook took great pride in the fact that Carisbrook provided a special test atmosphere and, usually, a win for the All Blacks.
But his favourite memory remains the 1998 NPC final, when an Otago side of rare talent smashed Waikato 49-20.
"That game was unbelievable. I mean, we had people not able to get seats. We had people near chanting for our blood because we couldn't find enough seats for them.
"That final could only ever have been surpassed by a Ranfurly Shield game on the 'Brook."
Hornbrook's job ended up being rugby-specific but he points out Carisbrook also provided an outstanding cricket venue, a tribute to groundsmen like Gary Keen, Wayne Anderson, Keith Campbell and Mark Perham.
"The cricket pitches were just sensational. I remember the year we held a game of rugby, and then we played the Aussies at cricket a couple of days later.
"I talked to one of the Waugh brothers and he reckoned it was the best pitch they'd played on in New Zealand."
Carisbrook underwent a physical transformation in the Hornbrook era, a necessary focus for the Otago union as it was the owner of the ground.
The Main Stand was replaced, corporate suites were installed, the terraces were upgraded and lights were erected.
"We were probably fairly naive back then. All the cost was borne by the rugby union, and none by the council in those years.
"So Carisbrook became a pretty big noose for Otago rugby."
Hornbrook is excited about Forsyth Barr Stadium and being able to sit so close to the action.
"But it will be hard, in my mind, to replace the tradition and the mystique of Carisbrook."
Name: John Hornbrook.
Role: Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive.
Favourite Carisbrook memory: The 1998 NPC final.
