Some Auckland residents are concerned that more than 90,000 possibly alcohol-fuelled fans could converge on Eden Park for the NRL Nines this weekend.
Event organisers and police have tried to allay fears following the the chaotic scenes at the Wellington Sevens last weekend, and have put a comprehensive alcohol-management plan and extra security in place.
But Eden Park Neighbours' Association president Mark Donnelly said there had never before been an event like this at the stadium, and residents were apprehensive about what could transpire.
"We haven't had two solid eight hour days back-to-back before. And from what we're picking up, it's not going to be the family-oriented sort of event that was originally pitched. We're now hearing about more a Wellington Sevens-style dress-up party. We really don't know what it's going to be like,'' he said.
"It's not an All Blacks test where you've got an hour and a half where ... it's more about the game. These sort of events can be much more party-based, which is the unknown element.''