Sadly, Tauranga has missed the boat on the Rugby World Cup and, once again, the excuse of a lack of money seems to underpin the situation.
Rugby supporters, locals and visitors, are searching for a big screen to watch the interesting matches and have some fun. But as everyone knows
by now, there isn't a big screen anywhere.
Someone, somewhere has missed the opportunity. And no doubt, no one will take the blame. Creating a fan zone does cost money but, with planning and foresight, some sponsorship, a council contribution and a community grant, we could have had one.
Tauranga has an ideal venue - the under-utilised Edgewater Fan on The Strand waterfront, built like a soundshell. The fan zone on the waterfront would have created a great atmosphere - just as it has done in other places that have taken on the spirit and excitement of the World Cup, even small towns such as Taupo, Wairoa and Waipukurau. They got themselves organised.
Even TECT Arena at Baypark could have organised screenings of the big matches. I don't think people would have minded paying a small charge to take in the game of the day in the swish 5000-seat arena. That's an experience in its own right.
