Business needs to start World Cup planning

Media release
Newmarket Business Association
Sunday, 11 July 2009
 
 
Auckland business needs to start Rugby World Cup planning or miss out 

9.00pm kick-offs will provide huge opportunity

Auckland businesses need to get their thinking caps on now, with the 2011 Rugby World Cup less than 800 days away, says an Auckland business advocate.
“Auckland businesses and retailers need to get up to speed as to how this tournament is going to play out, otherwise they’ll miss the bus. Someone else with the same idea will beat them to it,” says Cameron Brewer, head of the Newmarket Business Association.

“It will be an unprecedented two weeks in Auckland between visitors arriving for the semi-finals and then leaving after final. With over 60,000 visitors in town it is going to provide a once in a life time opportunity for business never seen on this scale before.”

Mr Brewer says the likely 9pm kick offs for the semi-finals and final is great news for Auckland retailers, hospitality and tourism operators.
“The late kick offs mean that even on game days visitors will have all day in Auckland to burn. For places like Newmarket, it presents great opportunities because we’re only a train ride away from Eden Park. We will be encouraging people to park, shop, dine, and ride.

“For a business wanting to focus on something positive in their medium-term planning, this could be it. For some businesses early planning might just mean setting money aside for marketing initiatives.”

Eden Park will host the tournament’s first game, All Blacks verses Tonga, on 9 September as well as a few pool games. Auckland will host the semi-finals on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 October 2011 with the final being played on Sunday 23 October.

“It’s going to be the biggest Labour Weekend in the history of Auckland. The final for bronze will be played on Friday 21 October with the actual final not until 9pm on the Sunday evening. Then off course it’s a public holiday on Monday.”

Rugby New Zealand 2011 Limited also reports that the two semi-finals in Auckland will also likely kick off at 9pm as part of the IRB’s stipulations. 

“The city will be inundated with visitors as soon as Christchurch and Wellington have hosted the quarter-finals on 8 and 9 October. The focus for two weeks will be solely on Auckland. The economic pie is going to be big so there’s a potential slice for many. However it will be the early birds who get the worm.

“The Rugby World Cup will be so positive for so many Auckland businesses. However I suspect most still underestimate just how big this final fortnight will be. With less than 800 days until the world’s third largest sporting event, those who start planning soon will be the ones more likely to reap some benefit,” says Cameron Brewer.

Ends

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