Rugby fans in for a big night out at Hastings' official Fan Zone
Tuesday 20 September 2011, 1:32PM
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Hastings’ official rugby fan zone promises to deliver a stunning sporting experience.
A massive screen is to be set up on the stage of the Hawke’s Bay Opera House to bring the excitement of four World Cup matches to Hastings. The pictures will be accompanied by super sound which will ensure fans are treated to an experience which will as close as possible to being at the match.
Hawke’s Bay Opera House Manager Roger Coleman says “the atmosphere inside the theatre will allow rugby fans to become part of the greatest sporting spectacle to ever be held in New Zealand.”
Roger Coleman says “the theatre holds around 900 fans and while entry is free, those wanting to attend are urged to obtain a ticket from the Opera House box office or the Hastings i-SITE prior to the match.”
Matches to be shown in the Fan Zone are the All Blacks versus France on Saturday September 24th, then both semifinals and the final. Prematch entertainment for the first semifinal will be provided by Dusty Rhodes and the Bluesmobile, while Devils Elbow will entertain prior to the second semi. The final on Sunday October 23rd will feature well known Hawke’s Bay band, Tropical Downbeat.
Along with the rugby, wine, food and music will be a major feature in the Opera House during the three day, Epicurious Festival.
The festival kicks off when country music greats Brendan Dugan, Jodie Vaughan, Eddie Low and Gray Bartlett bring their high energy ‘True Legends’ concert to the Opera House theatre this Friday night.
This Saturday the New Zealand Olive Festival will be held at the Hawke’s Bay Racing Centre featuring celebrity chefs Alison and Simon Holst. Later on Saturday, a black tie dinner in the Opera House will showcase the amazing talents of New Zealand singer/songwriter Peter Urlich.
On Sunday there is a special Farmers Market at the Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds and later that day Summer Sips will unscrew the tops of the very best Hawke’s Bay wine in the Opera House Plaza.
A homecoming concert in the Opera House theatre featuring internationally acclaimed soprano Anna Leese on Sunday night, wraps up three fantastic days of wine, food and music.