World Cup breathes new life into wharf's Shed 10

The Heineken World Bar in Shed 10 has various attractions including a drink-drive simulator for sober patrons. Photo / Richard Robinson

Shed 10 has been turned into a centrepiece of Auckland's Rugby World Cup fanzone - though on busy nights a part of it will be exclusive to Mastercard holders.

The once-rundown old shed on Queens Wharf has been repainted and given beer taps, screens and modern furniture to create a bar capable of holding 1800 people.

The shabby wood-and-concrete roof hints at its past as a storage barn, but the remainder of the venue has been spruced up by sponsorship-heavy renovations and decor.

Along the concrete-floored northern end stretches a long bar counter to create the Heineken World Bar, with the open area decorated with minimal, green furniture.

Beer will be served in recyclable plastic cups, and the brewer has promised enough beer pipes and bar equipment for cold beer and short queues.

The bar area has a "drink-drive" simulator, which has the appearance of an arcade game, as part of several "mini experiences" on offer.

Officials said the simulator, which could be used only by sober people, showed the driver how drinking affected their reaction time and judgment on the road.

A small stage will have music during the evenings of the tournament, set to feature Auckland bands, duos and DJs. The Jonny Love Duo, The Dozen, Halo, Hands Off, Southpaw, Matt Vankan, Josh Leys, Jimmy & the Goodbrew and DJ Grant Marshall are slated to play there during the cup.

The entire bar can be packed into a container and shipped around the world - it has arrived in Auckland after being used at the UEFA Champions League Final festival in London in May.

On the southern end of the shed is the Mastercard Club, which on big game nights will be exclusive to Mastercard holders and a plus-one.

The club will have a capacity of 300 out of the total 1800, and will be opened today.

DB Breweries managing director Brian Blake said the Heineken bar would be seen by the public for the first time tonight.

"The Heineken World Bar offers a unique socialising and entertaining area during RWC2011 for consumers to enjoy live music, live games on big screens and food from nearby stands," Mr Blake said.

For those who miss out on a place at Queens Wharf, Heineken has also released a smartphone application which uses GPS to help find bars nearby.

At a bar users of the app are encouraged to "check in" - which enables others to see which country's fans are patronising which bar.