Hamilton going red, yellow and black for Super Rugby final
Thursday 2 August 2012, 1:02PM
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With rugby fever gripping Hamilton, the city will be resplendent in red, black and yellow for this Saturday’s Investec Super Rugby final at Waikato Stadium.
The Hamilton-based Chiefs will host the final, and Hamilton City Council has already adorned the central city with Chiefs flags ahead of the match. The lights on the Victoria Bridge will flash in Chiefs colours, and main entrances to the city from Morrinsville, Cambridge and Auckland feature rugby-themed billboards welcoming visitors.
But it’s in the family zone in Garden Place where the main match-day activities will be focussed from 3pm, with the Investec Super Rugby trophy on display, says Sean Murray, Council’s General Manager Events and Economic Development.
“We’ve arranged some great family-friendly activity for Garden Place, as we did for the Ireland vs All Blacks Test in June, and Rugby World Cup 2011,” says Mr Murray.
“There will be Kelly Sports Rippa Rugby for the kids on the Garden Place grass, and the very entertaining Free Lunch Street Theatre team are back as well, with stilt walkers and their two rugby-related characters, comedy commentator Queeth Kin and the Golden Rugby Statue.”
Chiefs sponsors More FM will be broadcasting live nationally from Garden Place. John Martin of Balloons Fantastic will be creating balloon magic for junior fans, and there will also be a Best Dressed Fan competition with tickets to the game to be won, compliments of the Hamilton Central Business Association. Fans of all ages can have their faces painted in Chiefs or Sharks colours, and if you are heading on to the match supporters are urged to bring their cowbells, join the fan trail and “make some noise for the boys”.
A range of spot prizes will also be dished to rugby fans in the zone as they head to the final with a giant card on hand for fans to sign their best wishes to the Chiefs on.
Mr Murray says plans for a big screen in Garden Place had been explored, but due to logistical and safety issues it would not be installed.
“We simply did not have time to properly consult Garden Place business owners and residents. That’s unfortunate, but we have to do things right.”
“Kia kaha, Chiefs – Hamilton is right behind you!” says Mr Murray.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
NAME: Sean Murray
DESIGNATION: General Manager Events and Economic Development
TEL (DIRECT): 838 6443
EMAIL: sean.murray@hcc.govt.nz
NAME: Jeff Neems
DESIGNATION: Media Relations Executive
TEL (DIRECT): 07 838 6509
MOBILE: 021 818 564
EMAIL: jeff.neems@hcc.govt.nz