Hamilton gears up for second HSBC New Zealand Sevens weekend

21 January 2019

The flags are up, the teams are arriving, and Hamilton is getting ready for its second dose of HSBC World Sevens rugby fever.

FMG Stadium Waikato will host its second HSBC NZ Sevens tournament this weekend (26 and 27 January), following a successful debut on World Rugby’s Sevens rugby circuit in 2018. This year’s tournament features the addition of a Fast Four women’s tournament, the first time the Black Ferns Sevens will compete in New Zealand.

Organisers of this year’s event are also promising exciting changes to the peripheral activity around the stadium which compliments the fast-paced world-class action on the field.

The All Blacks Sevens and Black Ferns Sevens will host a free public BBQ Breakfast tomorrow (Tuesday 22 January) from 9am-11am in Garden Place, providing an opportunity for fans to meet the players, and also make ticket purchases for the tournament.

Competing teams will also be involved in community and media engagement opportunities throughout the week leading up to the event.

On Friday evening the city formally launches the tournament with the Kick-Off Carnival, also to be held in Garden Place. The carnival starts at 4.30pm and includes entertainment, food, a presentation to the teams and an opportunity for people to add credit to the digital wristbands used pay for food, beverages and merchandise at the HSBC New Zealand Sevens.

Several of the city’s bars and restaurants are also part of an official supporters’ bars initiative for the city this year.

In terms of event delivery, there will be additional traffic management around FMG Stadium Waikato for this year’s HSBC New Zealand Sevens, with closures for:
- Tristram St (from Liverpool St to Willoughby St), 6am-10.30pm on both match days.
- Mill St (from Willoughby St to Norton Rd) and Seddon Rd (from Mill St to Goldsmith St), 7am-10.30am on both match days.

Mobility Parking has been moved to Willoughby St from Seddon Rd for the duration of the tournament.

Fans wanting to head to the stadium from the south end of Hamilton’s central business district can catch a free shuttle from Hood St to Tristram St between 10am and 4pm.

Hamilton’s regular central city liquor ban has also been extended for the HSBC New Zealand Sevens weekend, encapsulating streets around the stadium for the duration of the event. The liquor ban is enforced by Hamilton Police and prohibits the consumption of alcohol in public areas – although residents can still carry unopened alcohol to and from residential homes.

For more information on Hamilton’s delivery of the Sevens tournament, visit www.hamiltonhostcity.co.nz

Hamilton is the host city for the Sevens through a partnership involving Hamilton City Council, NZ Rugby and events company 37 South.

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