Sun to shine down on sevens

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Mike Rogers, left, and New Zealand Community Trust member Trevor Maxwell are pleased to see ticket sales peak. Photo / Stephen Parker

Sunshine and thousands of spectators are expected to turn out for the Bayleys National Sevens tournament this weekend.

It will be the first time Rotorua will have hosted the event, which will be held over two days at the Rotorua International Stadium.

Bayleys National Sevens event manager Allison Stewart said she hoped the tournament would be an enjoyable experience for Rotorua residents.

"The idea is that people have a great, family day out and enjoy watching the games," she said.

Ticket sales for the event had peaked over the last week, which Mrs Stewart said was pleasing to see.

She encouraged people to buy tickets before the two-day event began to avoid standing in long queues at the stadium gates.

Mrs Stewart said she was excited to see the tournament planning come together.

"It's been a lot of work. We've spent the last few weeks ticking off everything, but now we're all set to go."

She said the event was for people of all ages to enjoy and children's entertainment would be put on including a bouncy castle, water slide, face painting and a craft area. Mascot races would also provide extra entertainment.

Mrs Stewart said while there was no dress code for the event, spectators were welcome to dress up in the colours of the provincial teams they supported or follow the tradition of the Wellington Sevens and dress up in costume.

Food and drinks can be bought at the event and parking will be available at the stadium car park.

Mrs Stewart encouraged people to bring plenty of sunscreen as the weather forecast was looking sunny.

MetService predicts the weather to be fine with a high of about 21C for both days.

Details

What: Bayleys National Sevens tournament.
Where: Rotorua International Stadium.
When: Tomorrow and Sunday 12pm to 8pm.
Cost: Children under 5 free, children 6 to 15 years $5, adults $15, families (2 x adults, 2 x children) $35