Eden Park sure to be hell on match days

Rugby fans, residents and commuters are being urged to use public transport and make alternative transport arrangements for the two Lions matches at Eden Park next week.

Eden Park Trust Board chief executive John Alexander said Lions week would be different from normal events at the park.

Many Lions supporters would use public transport to attend the matches and twice the normal number of Eden Park patrons would attend pre-match hospitality events, particularly for the third test, he said.

Traffic restrictions will be in place for Tuesday's match between the Lions and Auckland, and on Saturday week for the third and final test match.

Each match will be attended by more than 40,000 people.

Several roads surrounding the ground will be closed to all traffic, except for authorised vehicles, buses, taxis and residents' vehicles.

Depending on the traffic, Sandringham Rd could be closed between Bond St and Cambourne Rd.

Auckland City traffic manager Chris Gasson has urged ticket holders to get to Eden Park well before the 7.10pm kick-offs. The ground opens at 4pm.

The council said fans attending Tuesday's match should try to avoid taking to the roads at the same time as commuters.

They should get to the ground early or use public transport.

Extra buses and trains will run to Kingsland and the board is sponsoring a free neighbourhood shuttle bus and a helicopter to watch traffic.

The shuttle bus will run at 10- to 15-minute intervals using normal bus stops in a left-hand loop around Sandringham, Balmoral, Mt Eden and New North Rds to allow patrons to park well away from the ground but still retain easy access.

Council events facilitator Joanne Godsalve said central city workers should consider staying in town after work on Tuesday to attend a barbecue and watch the match on a giant outdoor screen at the Viaduct Harbour from 5.30pm.

The event will be repeated for the third test with a fireworks display after the final game of the Lions tour.

The council has reminded fans and residents of the alcohol ban in place in the central city.