Follow a few simple rules to enjoy Rotorua’s first match

NEWS RELEASE

Wednesday 7 September 2011

Follow a few simple rules to enjoy Rotorua’s first Rugby World Cup 2011 match

ROTORUA 07.09.11:

Events & Venues Rotorua general manager Peter McLeod says fans attending Saturday’s first Rugby World Cup 2011 match at Rotorua International Stadium will get the best possible enjoyment out of the day if they plan ahead and follow a few simple rules.

Mr McLeod is advising people to get to the grounds early to avoid the inevitable queues close to match start time. He said the gates will be open from 1.30pm giving plenty of time to find seats, enjoy some refreshments and relax before the 3.30pm Fiji vs Namibia match kicks off.

He is urging patrons to pre-purchase tickets from the Convention Centre ticket office to avoid double queuing at the stadium on the day. The ticket office is open normal business hours during the week and from 9am to 12 noon on match day.

“Tickets will also be available for purchase at the stadium immediately before the game starts but fans already holding pre-purchased tickets will be able to go directly to turnstile entrances.

“We’re also reminding people to bring cash or a MasterCard for purchases as cash-out facilities at the stadium are limited, and other credit cards are can’t be used at RWC2011 venues.

Other information that match patrons need to be aware of includes:

• FREE BUS SHUTTLE TO STADIUM: the continuous shuttle starts operating from 12.30pm. It departs from the Convention Centre (Cnr Arawa & Fenton Sts), with a pick-up stop enroute at Four Canoes Hotel (Fenton St). Drop-off is at Westbrook shops where there is a dedicated walkway direct to the stadium’s No 3 gate.
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• PUBLIC CAR PARK: open from 11.30am. Parking is $10 per vehicle - cash only. Car park access is from Thebes St and Devon St West.
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• DISABLED PARKING: available on Devon St West. Current Disability Pass must be shown to security guards at roadblock.
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• ROAD CLOSED: From 9am to 6.30pm road blocks apply in Devon St from the public car park entrance through to Pukehangi Rd (no through access).
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• LIQUOR & BAGS: Liquor can not be brought into the stadium and patrons’ bags will be checked. To reduce time required for bag checks and to speed access patrons are advised to bring one bag per group.
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• LIQUOR BAN AROUND STADIUM: Immediate areas around the stadium are subject to a liquor ban which will be policed. Liquor can not be consumed in sign-posted liquor ban areas.
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Mr McLeod is also reminding visitors and locals about The Great Rugby Ball Drop fun family event on match day at the lakeside Village Green between 9am and 1pm. Along with amusements and free entertainment 1000 mini-rugby balls will be dropped from a helicopter with those landing closest to marked targets winning prizes for their owners. Mini-rugby balls can be purchased for $2 each in advance at the Convention Centre or at the Village Green on Saturday.

Mr McLeod said Rotorua’s official free Fanzone on Friday evening at the Energy Events Centre would be the place to be to get into the spirit of Rugby World Cup 2011 ahead of Saturday’s match between Fiji and Namibia.

“The Fanzone will be a warm, family friendly venue where you can watch the RWC2011 opening ceremony live on a giant screen followed by the tournament’s opening match featuring the All Blacks up against Tonga at Eden Park. Fanzone doors open at 6pm and entry is free. We’ll have a great array of local entertainment on stage, there’s a special kiddies’ zone and plenty of food and refreshments will be available.

“So why not bring the whole family down for a night of fun and celebration, and if you dress up in the Kiwiana and Pasifika theme you might even win a great prize,” said Mr McLeod.

“Then on Saturday pop down to the Village Green in the morning before heading to Rotorua International Stadium to be a part of local history when Rotorua hosts the first of our three Rugby World Cup 2011 matches.”

[Ends]

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