Plenty of action before sevens even kicks off

FIELDED: Dave Summer paints a 3D graphic on to the main field at Rotorua International Stadium. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

Terrific team effort gets stadium shape for nationals

The Bayleys National Sevens is set to hit the Rotorua International Stadium this weekend.

Behind the scenes, Bay of Plenty Rugby Union staff, volunteers and workers were hard at work yesterday getting the stadium ready.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union operations manager Neil Alton said they were looking for the tournament to be bigger and better this year.

The provincial championship, featuring men's and women's teams, was held in Rotorua for the first time last year.

"The Rotorua community is a bit more aware of it this year, so we're hoping to get a lot of locals along. We want to make a real family event of it, so people can come make a day of it, taking the kids into the Family Zone between watching games.

"We're getting the Family Zone in ... all they'll need to do [this morning] is set the pumps on the bouncy castle."

The Family Zone will fill an area at one end of the main field; featuring bouncy castles, clowns, facepainting and other attractions to keep the kids entertained.

Mr Alton said the Rotorua Lakes Council and Rotorua Energy Trust had provided lots of support in putting together the family activities.

Volunteer Ben Hopkins helped set up the tents and stand around the fields, and over the weekend will help manage the fields.

Mr Hopkins was happy to help. He joked that, working at a high school, he needed something to do over the summer.

"It's always good to give back and help out the home union. I get to meet and interact with some of the big names too, it's cool to see they're just like the rest of us."

Eurest Catering staff Tracey Hamiora and Genna Flintoff were hard at work setting up the food and refreshments.

"It's cool to get a big event like the sevens here, it's a good opportunity for Rotorua to turn it up," said Mrs Hamiora, in between organising jobs for kitchen staff as they came off a break.

Front of House supervisor Ms Flintoff said her team was well prepared for the weekend, having a lot of experience handling big events. She said they always took host responsibility seriously, and would cut off anyone who got too intoxicated.

The teams began arriving yesterday, getting the opportunity to take a look at the grounds and learn the layout of the venue.

Mr Alton said each team would get a local volunteer to act as liaison and to act as guides if the players were looking to squeeze in some sightseeing.

He said the event was a big team effort from everybody, from the sponsors and the trust, to the workers and volunteers.

"They've all done a brilliant job so far and everything is coming together nicely."

-The Sevens starts at 10am today and tomorrow, tickets available at the gate.