It's Game Time at SKYCITY!

As New Zealand gets ready to welcome the world for Rugby World Cup, SKYCITY is right in the centre of the action with an exciting array of new bars and restaurants about to open. As well as the over 20 bars and restaurants already on site, SKYCITY is aligning itself with some of the biggest names in hospitality to launch three new restaurants and five more bars to ensure the complex is the place to be in the coming months for locals and visitors looking for a great time out!

New to SKYCITY’s Federal Street in August will be Depot, the latest venture by renowned Kiwi Chef Al Brown. Depot, bringing seasonal produce served in a straightforward style will be a popular place to drop in and refuel, with small plates and oysters shucked to order and a menu that features some of New Zealand’s finest local produce.

Also set to open in August is Red Hummingbird. Based on the concept of a gastro pub - all the sophistication of a bar plus the familiarity of a cosmopolitan club and the ease of a local - the latest offering from Auckland’s hospitality stalwart, Luke Dallow, is sure to quickly become Auckland’s hottest new night-spot.

Following hot on the heels will also be the much anticipated opening of The Grill by Sean Connolly. In his glamorous Andrew Lister designed restaurant, Sean will serve simple, uncomplicated food including pasture fed meat and sustainable seafood from New Zealand’s very best producers. Unfolding under the spotlight of TV3’s “Under the Grill” programme, Sean will open his restaurant just in time for the World Cup.

Alongside the much loved dine by Peter Gordon and his Spanish tapas bar Bellota, plus the elegant Lobby bar, which is part of the SKYCITY Grand Hotel, these three new outlets will ensure that Federal Street will quickly become a vibrant entertainment precinct in the heart of all the city action.

From 9 September, The Nation’s Clubrooms will open to guests wanting a true sports bar experience with big screen and live entertainment. By partnering with Steinlager, SKYCITY will help put the All Blacks on show in a great space by serving up live sports coverage and offering a cold Steinlager Classic in a black bottle, brought out to celebrate Steinlager's 25 year sponsorship of the All Blacks. The Nation’s Clubrooms will be located on Level 3, adjacent to the SKYCITY Theatre.

In an all-new concept, The Twelve Bar has been specially created by SKYCITY with The Family of Twelve, a gathering of some of New Zealand’s best wineries. The Family’s wines will be offered exclusively, on a unique wine list, highlighting the full breadth and depth of varieties and New Zealand wine regions, right in the heart of SKYCITY. Three wines from each winemaker will be available, along with a selection of fine food items, making it the perfect New Zealand wine experience. The Twelve Bar will open on 1 September 2011 on the ground level of SKYCITY, adjacent to the ever-popular Rebo.

‘Chivas at the Deck’ on level two of the main SKYCITY complex will be another great place to be from late August, as the existing Deck bar is transformed into a sophisticated destination in partnership with Chivas Regal - one of the world's top selling premium scotch whiskies. Chivas at the Deck will be serving Chivas Regal Whisky as well as innovative cocktails and premium spirits accompanied by live entertainment, making it the perfect relax and unwind destination.

182 metres up the SKY Tower luxury will await - as SKYCITY presents in partnership with G.H. Mumm, the prestigious ‘Champagne Mumm at Sky Lounge’. The Champagne house that best embodies the true culture of Champagne, G.H. Mumm will be sipped (including a selection of Champagne exclusive to the location!) while enjoying the 360 degrees views over Auckland.

Right in the heart of the Casino, Fortuna, a much loved favourite, will reopen in a new location. Continuing to offer great value buffet dining with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce, extensive seafood, roast meats, salads and desserts, Fortuna will now also feature a show cooking kitchen, a great new look and an atmosphere that is sure to impress. Fortuna will again be serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week from mid-August.

Down at the base of the Sky Tower, SKYCITY and Weta Workshop are pleased to be joining together to put the best of this country’s creativity on show in Auckland’s favourite tourist attraction. Opening on 22 August for three months, Weta Workshop and SKYCITY will operate what will be known as the ‘Weta Cave Shop’ within the existing Sky Tower Gift Shop at the base of the Sky Tower. The exclusive arrangement will see Sky Tower as the only Weta retail outlet in Auckland. One hundred metres of space will be overflowing with merchandise and treats from the Weta stable including The Lord of the Rings collectables.

As well as fantastic dining options, SKYCITY is the home of the highest observation point in the country, the Sky Tower. Action is 24/ 7 at the world class casino and other great fun and entertainment to be had all over the SKYCITY site. It can all be found at www.skycity.co.nz