Lions fans arriving at Eden Park before tonight's match. Photo / Jason Oxenham
Rugby hype is building as kick-off nears in the opening All Blacks/Lions clash at Eden Park.
Thousands of rugby fans are making their way by foot from central Auckland to Eden Park; with Auckland's CBD streets packed with fans mostly wearing the red of the British & Irish Lions.
Many keen fans are already making their way up Queen St along the fan trail from Auckland's waterfront to the Mt Eden stadium.
Auckland has been overtaken with a flood of red jerseys, hats and jackets heading towards Kingsland, with a few black jerseys in amongst them.
A group of Lions fans passing a ball around on Queen St said their confident of a first up win.
"The way we've been playing the last few games I don't think we're going to be stopped.
"They've got the team right, the best team will be on the field and that'll be the difference."
The visitors definitely outnumber the local fans on Queen St. Despite the threat of inclement weather some keen supporters have donned kilts.
There hasn't been too much singing apart from the familiar chant of "Lions, Lions", which is sometimes met by "All Blacks, All Blacks".
Lions supporter Don said he's excited for the test series to begin.
"I've come halfway across the world for this, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
"I'm just looking forward to a good game, regardless of the score. The Lions will win though, of course."
Kick-off in the big game is set for 7.35pm, with fans warned of possible showers druing the clash of the rugby giants.
AA and National Road Carriers warn of severe disruption to freight and transport.