Next month's Super 14 clash between local heroes the Highlanders and Australia's Western Force in Queenstown will be more than just on-field action.

Event organiser, Lakes Leisure has created an all-day festival of family entertainment and great hospitality to coincide with the match on Saturday 10 April and Events Manager, Karen Gemmell says this year’s game is shaping up as the best yet.

“This is our third time holding a full season Super 14 match at the Events Centre. It is great to be able to host a day game and combine it with unique aspects of Queenstown. Because of the televised structure of the Super 14 competition, games held in full daylight are rare and so we’ve taken the opportunity to create a real celebration that is accessible to all members of the community. There is entertainment for families, adults, rugby lovers and those that are happier kicking back in the Travelling Goodbar.”

Queenstown singing sensation, the Sequin Sisters add some pre-match sparkle thanks to Cougar Security while Family Zone ticket holders have exclusive use of Alpine Aqualand’s pools and slides in a special More FM Post-Match Pool Party from 4pm.

The Travelling Good Bar will be in full swing throughout the day, while the impressive Nation Bar recently seen at the Golf Open is also on-site and aptly renamed Lineout Bar for the occasion. After the game, this will be the place to catch post-match analysis from Southland Rugby coaches David Henderson & Simon Culhane over a drink and gourmet BBQ. Pre-booking is essential.

In a community led initiative, Patron Packs developed to support Junior Rugby are selling well and already several children’s club fees have been funded at both the Arrowtown and Wakatipu Clubs as a result.

Lakes Leisure Events and Communications Manager, Karen Gemmell says the support from local companies and patrons combined with quality hospitality and entertainment alongside the rugby promises a successful and fantastic day out for all ages.

“This is the only chance to catch live Super 14 in action in Central Otago this season. There’s nothing quite like being amongst the crowd watching international rugby under the shadow of the Remarkables.”

Ms Gemmell advises people to arrive early on the day and stay on to enjoy either the special match-day hospitality courtesy of Good Group or the More FM Pool Party.

“Thousands of rugby fans will descend on Queenstown Events Centre for the 2.30pm kick off including dozens of coaches already booked to carry fans from all of Central Otago. We have a six-point travel plan to minimise congestion around the ground but really we advise people to beat the queues by making a day of it.”

Gates open at 11.30am for the Central Otago Premier Rugby clash between local rivals Wakatipu and Upper Clutha at midday. Local youngsters then get to take centre stage with Rippa Rugby.

Lakes Leisure expects the nation-wide trend of strong crowds this season to also eventuate in Queenstown. Ticket sales are already ahead of expectations at more than 1,200 to date.

Full details of match day activities plus Lakes Leisure’s six-point travel plan are available from www.lakesleisure.co.nz.

ENDS

More about the Rebel Sport Super 14 Highlanders v Western Force
11.30am Gates open
12.00pm Premier Rugby – Wakatipu v Upper Clutha
1.35pm Rippa Rugby on-field, Sequin Sisters performance on stage
2.30pm Kick-off
4.00pm Match finishes
Ticketed Lineout Hospitality with Dave Henderson and Simon Culhane commences

Ticket prices General admission (adult) $30
General admission (child) $10
Family packages (2 adults, 2 children) $65

All ticket service fees are included in the price