Jack Andrew knew the Lions would be touring New Zealand this year, so instead of heading home to Wales after two years in Australia he took up a one year working holiday visa here.
"I'm so excited. I'm going to the game tomorrow, the Lions will win without a doubt ... I saw the team out [on Wednesday night] and I got to shake the captain [Sam Warburton's] hand, it's a good omen."
The Pig and Whistle bartender, 26, who also works in tourism, said he had been wearing his Lions jersey "non-stop" to work, much to the amusement of his colleagues.
Yesterday, Lions supporters Ian and Mitchell Oldacre were enjoying a pint at the Rotorua pub.
Ian Oldacre (left) and Mitchell Oldacre will be seeing several Lions games. Photo/Ben Fraser
Ian had flown over from Coventry, England to join his son Mitchell to watch several of the tour games.
"It's my first time in New Zealand. We'll be heading to the game."
Despite having lived in Christchurch for the past four years working as an electrician, Mitchell said he would "definitely" be supporting his home team.
Pig and Whistle operations manager Rosie Harding said they were expecting the next few days to be busy, and they had extra staff working.
"It will be the biggest weekend of the year, and should be one of the busiest ever up there with the last Lions Tour in 2005 and the World Cup Ireland versus Russia match in 2011."
Ms Harding said those who wanted to watch the game at the pub should get in early, as they expected it to fill up.
Maori All Blacks fans have also been out and about Rotorua, including Kerry Griffin.
Mr Griffin, originally from Christchurch but living in Mongolia, is part of the 'The Gathering', 162 people following the tour.
Jack Andrew left) and Herbie Philpot are ready for the match on Saturday. Photo/Ben Fraser
en made an app to help out with travelling and logistics.
"I imagine there will be a few sore heads on Sunday. I'm backing the Maori All Blacks to win but it'll be close."
At Our Backyard pub on Eruera St, owner Richard Hazeldine said he was expecting tomorrow to be his biggest night of the year.
"We've had heaps of Lions fans in for lunch. They've taken advantage of the beautiful weather and are out doing activities. It's gonna be full up on Saturday, we have two marques up and a projector."
Lone Star Rotorua owner Prue Allan said they were "absolutely" full-up for tomorrow.
"We've got lots of groups with buses picking them up to take them to the stadium. We had the Maori All Blacks in here last night for dinner, they were delightful."
Craig Elliott, of House of Elliott Hairdressing, said he'd had his tickets for the game since October, and would also be going to the Chiefs game and tests in Auckland and Wellington.
James Towers (left) and Craig Elliott, at House of Elliot Hairdressing. Photo/Ben Fraser
"My heart says Maori All Blacks but my head says Lions."
He would be heading to the match with his son, who would be celebrating his 21st birthday that day.
One of his staff, James Towers from the United Kingdom, asked Mr Elliott if they could make a Lions side and an All Blacks side at the salon.
A Rotorua Lakes Council spokeswoman said signs were up at the main entrances to the city to remind drivers travel times may be a bit longer with extra people on the roads.
A spokeswoman for Taxi Cabs Rotorua said they would have more staff on this weekend to cope with demand.
"It's all go. Our vans are booked out for match transport but we have plenty of cars available."
The council's major events co-ordinator, Martin Croft, said the council had spent months preparing for this weekend, to showcase the city and engage the community.
He said the team at Rotorua International Stadium had also been working hard to prepare for the main game, as well as preparing Smallbone Park.
The council had been working with emergency services, the New Zealand Rugby Union, and service and tourism industry to ensure everything went to plan, Mr Croft said.
"So many things are going on this weekend that will happen only once so I encourage Rotorua people to get out and experience it. Get out and make visitors, both domestic and international, welcome and comfortable and help them experience what Rotorua is all about."
He reminded all those without tickets to head along to the Fan Zone at the Energy Events Centre tomorrow night.
"There will be a big screen and kids activities. It's an alcohol free zone so good for all the family."
Ticket pick-ups for Lions game have been moved from the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre to the iSite across the road.
Dave Barton, head of communications for the British & Irish Lions, said there would be no public autograph or open training sessions for the team due to a lack of time.
Meanwhile, the roads surrounding the stadium are considered a 'clean-zone' under the Major Events Management Act. No unauthorised sales of any merchandise or goods are permitted in these areas.
Rotorua's big weekend
Tonight Matariki All Stars Parade. Parade starts 7pm from the Arts Village on Hinemaru St.
Tomorrow Giant Haka world record attempt. Village Green from 10.30am. Formal attempt at midday. International Women's Rugby - Australia v Canada. Free public curtain raiser at Smallbone Park. Kick-off at 12.30pm. International Women's Rugby - Black Ferns v England. Rotorua International Stadium 4.15pm. (Tickets sold out) Maori All Blacks v The British & Irish Lions - Rotorua International Stadium 7.35pm. (Tickets sold out) Official Fan Zone - Rotorua Energy Events Centre. Doors open 6.30pm. Watch the game live on the big screens at the free family-friendly Fan Zone. This event is alcohol-free and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Sunday The Big Brekkie at the Village Green, a pop-up food truck festival. Live music and plenty of space to sit back and relax picnic style. 8am start.
Transport: Free rides on the City Ride buses all day tomorrow. Free shuttles to the stadium will run from 1pm to late. Pick-up/drop-off at iSite on Fenton St.
Road closures: Devon St from 8am tomorrow from Smallbone Park to Springfield Rd. Main access to the stadium will be via Thebes St.
