14 October 2011

Auckland Fanzones Ready for RWC 2011 Semi Finals

All eyes will be on the Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) semi finals this weekend and Auckland fans have no shortage of options when it comes to where to watch the big matches.

Three regional Fanzones kicked into action last weekend for the quarter-final games and following positive reviews from fans and media alike, they are expected to attract good crowds this weekend.

Northern Lights in Albany, Southern Seas in Mangere and Outrageously West in Henderson have live entertainment before each semi-final game, kids’ zones and food and refreshments stalls to keep fans fed and watered. Entry is free to all three Fanzones.

“We are getting down to the nitty-gritty of the Tournament now with two massive games over the weekend. The vibe of Fanzones has been very jovial and it’s great to see fans enjoy the live entertainment and rugby with their families and their mates,” says Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) General Manager Destination, Rachael Dacy.

Taking to the stage at the Fanzones is a variety of homegrown talent including reggae group Katchafire and rock band I Am Giant.

As well as the three regional Fanzones, the public will have options on the waterfront with Queens Wharf and Wynyard Quarter both operating Fanzones for the semi finals.

Queens Wharf live entertainment on Saturday will take on a nostalgic vibe with Dragon, Ardijah Jordan Luck Band and Opshop belting out some of their crowd favourites from 3pm onwards. The Feelers, Zed, Julia Deans, Flip Grater and Patea Maori Club will take to the stage at Queens Wharf on Sunday.

Wynyard Quarter has DJs both days from 11am-4pm and will screen a couple of classic kiwi movies before the big games.

“This has been a great opportunity to showcase some of New Zealand’s established and emerging talent to our international visitors and locals alike,” says Dacy.

“If going to a Fanzone is on your Rugby World Cup bucket list, then make sure you tick it off this weekend.”

Fanzone Guide

NORTHERN LIGHTS FANZONE
Albany Lakes Civic Park, Civic Crescent, Albany (outdoor)
5pm - 12am

Saturday 15 October
6.15pm: Young Lyre
7.30pm: I Am Giant
9pm: Semi-final 1 - France versus Wales live on the big screen

Sunday 16 October
5pm - 12am
6.15pm Dead Fools Fiesta
7.30pm Katchafire
9pm: Semi-final 2 - New Zealand versus Australia live on the big screen

SOUTHERN SEAS FANZONE
Mangere Town Centre, Bader Drive, Mangere (outdoor)
4pm-11pm

Saturday 15 October
4.20pm Southern Seas Rising Stars Band and Dance competition
6.30pm Jules Issa
7.30pm Katchafire
9pm: Semi-final 1 - France versus Wales live on the big screen

Sunday 16 October
4pm-11pm
4.40pm Southern Seas Rising Stars Band and Dance Competition
6.00pm Dawn Raid Showcase featuring Scribe, David Dallas, Savage, Sweet & Irie, Ria, STKS, Pieter T and Anonymouz
9pm: Semi-final 2 - New Zealand versus Australia live on the big screen

OUTRAGEOUSLY WEST FANZONE
The Trusts Stadium Arena, Central Park Drive, Henderson (indoor)
5pm-12am

Saturday 15 October
6pm: Union (covers band) perform live
9pm: Semi-final 1 - France versus Wales live on the big screen

Sunday 16 October
5pm-12am
6pm: Hands Off (covers band) perform live
9pm: Semi-final 2 - New Zealand versus Australia live on the big screen

QUEENS WHARF
Quay Street, Auckland City
10am-2am

Saturday 15 October
3pm: Music on the Main Stage featuring Opshop, Dragon, Jordan Luck Band and Ardijah
9pm: Semi-final 1 - France versus Wales live on the big screen
Post-match Late Night at The Cloud: Featuring Computers Want Me Dead and Clarke Gayford

Sunday 16 October
10am-12.30am
3pm: Music on the Main Stage - Concert for Christchurch featuring The Feelers, also Zed, Julia Deans, Flip Grater and Patea Maori Club
9pm: Semi-final 2 - New Zealand versus Australia live on the big screen
Post-match Late Night at The Cloud: Featuring Hit It & Quit It – Frank Booker & Recloose

WYNARD QUARTER
Cnr of Madden and Beaumont Street
11am-11.30pm

Saturday 15 October
11am – 1.30pm: DJ Chris Cox
1.30pm - 4pm: DJ Bobby Brazuka
6pm: Movie – Boy
9pm: Semi-final 1 - France versus Wales live on the big screen

Sunday 16 October
11am-11.30pm
11am-1.30pm: DJ Isaac Aesili
1.30pm-4pm: DJ Chris Cox
6pm: Movie – Footrot Flats: The Dog’s Tale
9pm: Semi-final 2 - New Zealand versus Australia live on the big screen

ENDS

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