Family fun for footy Fanzone

Clad yourself in black or blue, bring down your beanbag, and settle in for the biggest match of the year.

Hamilton’s Rugby World Cup 2011 Fanzone will reopen on Sunday night for the Tournament’s showpiece match, a rematch of the inaugural 1987 Final between the All Blacks and France.

The Fanzone will open at 7pm, and added attractions include a Rugby bungy, an inflatable pirate ship for kids to play on, professional pyrotechnics, an ice cream truck and a candy floss merchant.

Hamilton’s Rugby World Cup 2011 project team have also organised a small grandstand, which can seat about 80 people. Families are also welcome to bring in beanbags, fold-up camping chairs, and inflatable furniture to sit in during the Final.

Hamilton’s Rugby World Cup Ambassador Councillor Peter Bos said the country had been swept along by Rugby fever for the past six weeks, and the nationwide sporting party would culminate on Sunday night.

“The Tournament has been fantastic, and Hamilton performed superbly for the three pool matches it hosted. With the All Blacks in the Final, the Fanzone open and Monday a public holiday for most people, families have a fantastic last chance to share what I’m hoping will be an historic All Black triumph,” Cr Bos said.

The Fanzone is alcohol-free, and will close at midnight. It covers most of Hood Street and part of Alexandra Street, and those streets will be closed to traffic from 4pm to allow for set-up.