Additional Fanzone Capacity in Auckland for RWC 2011 Final

19 October 2011

Additional Fanzone Capacity in Auckland for RWC 2011 Final

While the New Zealand v Australia semi finals saw Aucklanders flock to Fanzones in greater numbers than ever, there will be more capacity planned for the RWC 2011 Final on Sunday.

Despite their busiest night to date, regional Fanzones in Albany, Mangere and Henderson have plenty of additional capacity for Sunday’s big match. In addition, the RWC 2011 Auckland Management Committee is planning to increase Fanzone capacity around the waterfront and CBD with two new spaces.

Committee spokesperson Rachael Dacy says the committee wants to ensure visitors and Aucklanders alike have the best possible experience this Sunday.

Applications to the RWC 2011 Authority are being made to:

• Increase the capacity of Captain Cook Wharf from 10,000 to 14,000
• Create a Fanzone space on Marsden wharf with an approximate capacity of 4,500
• License Wynyard Quarter Fanzone to provide a full food and beverage offer to fans and ensure the experience there is the equivalent to the wharves
• Create a back up outdoor Fanzone space at the Aotea precinct with the RWC 2011 Final live on big screens.

“People will obviously want to come to the waterfront and CBD so it is prudent to increase capacity where we can and provide contingencies,” Dacy says.

Captain Cook and Marsden Wharves will be used as an overflow facilities for Queens Wharf. If the wharves are full fans will have the option of heading to the Wynyard Quarter Fanzone, which has considerable additional capacity, or up Queen St to the Aotea precinct.

“It is clear that Fanzones have a finite capacity. They will be busy and we cannot guarantee everyone access to a screen on the waterfront or in the CBD,” Dacy says.

“What the semi final showed us was that the public appetite for a regional Fanzones experience is definitely increasing. There were good numbers at the north and south Fanzones last Sunday but they were still at about only 50% of capacity,” Dacy says.

Dacy is urging “westies” to get along to the Outrageous West Fanzone in Henderson which has so far been quieter than the others.

“With The Black Seeds performing there before the All Blacks take on France in the big match, it’s a great double bill out in the west,” she says.

Dacy is encouraging the public to make their plan for the final and consider all their options to ensure they get to see and enjoy the match.

“If you are heading to the match, set off early, take advantage of bars and entertainment in the CBD and surrounding areas such as Ponsonby and K Road,” she says.

“If you don’t have tickets there are plenty of places to watch the match.

“If you are thinking about coming to the waterfront and CBD Fanzones, expect them to be busy – if you decide that’s for you, plan ahead and be prepared to be flexible about where in the CBD you watch the match.”

Dacy says regional Fanzones are a great option with free entertainment, live music and of course the RWC 2011 Final between New Zealand and France live on the big screens.

“If you want to enjoy the occasion but avoid the big crowds, why not party local and enjoy the Final with your local community? “

ENDS

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