Hamilton lines up test rugby festivities for Irish team's visit
Tuesday 19 June 2012, 5:17PM
402 views
Hamilton is going emerald green and All Black as it gears up for this weekend’s rugby Test between Ireland and New Zealand.
Ireland play the World Champion All Blacks at Waikato Stadium on Saturday night, in the third and final Test of the Steinlager Series, and Hamilton City Council has arranged a variety of pre-match entertainment for Garden Place.
From 3pm to 6.30pm on Saturday, the central city square will host free live Irish music, traditional Irish dancing, Hamilton’s famous Human Rugby Statue and TV sports commentator street theatre performers, Leprechauns, face painting for children and a Rippa Rugby Extravaganza for youngsters.
Fans enjoying the central city’s hospitality are also being encouraged to walk to Waikato Stadium for the match, or use one of the free Rugby Shuttle buses circulating through the CBD on a circular route incorporating Victoria Street, Ulster Street, Abbotsford Street, Anglesea Street, Alexandra Street, Hood Street and Bryce Street.
Mayor Julie Hardaker expects Hamilton to get right behind the big match, and is encouraging visiting fans and residents to enjoy what the city has to offer during Test weekend.
“Hamilton was under the spotlight last year when we hosted three Rugby World Cup 2011 games, and we delivered superbly with smooth, well-run and trouble-free match days. We’ll provide a great atmosphere when we welcome Brian O’Driscoll’s Irish team and Richie McCaw’s men in black back to the city,” Mayor Hardaker says.
Tickets for Saturday’s match are available from Ticket Direct.