Racing to welcome Lions fans

Robert Blake, Alexandra Park general manager, is aiming for a village atmosphere. Picture / Martin Sykes

Resource consents were granted yesterday for Auckland's Alexandra Park to be transformed in coming months to accommodate Lions supporters. They are expected to converge on Auckland from July 4 to 11.

Park general manager Robert Blake says the venue has enough three-phase power outlets to recharge 900 campervans a day, and most of them would be parked on the racetrack itself. Extra parking facilities will be available in the carpark.

The race is on to create a "village atmosphere" at the park.

Aside from the existing 24-hour bar and cafe, plans are being made to transform the stables into an English-themed pub.

Other plans include a big screen for tourists who were too busy planning their holidays to buy tickets for the games, and perhaps even goalposts in the middle of the track.

About $100,000 will be spent to get Alexandra Park ready for the campervan onslaught, and tourists will probably be charged by the size of their vans, says Mr Blake.

Tourism Auckland estimates 1500 campervans have been booked, but that number could rise to 2000 by tour time.

Mr Blake said Alexandra Park's plans had the support of police, who were concerned at the prospect of people parking their campervans where they felt like. "When you are 6m x 2.5m, you can't just park anywhere."

Bookings for the Alexandra Park campervan site can be made via the Tourism Auckland Lions Tour website, thelionstour.co.nz

And for anyone wanting to replenish his wardrobe with Lions Tour memorabilia, the ground floor of the Tourism Auckland building in the Viaduct Harbour will be the official Lions Tour merchandising outlet.