Rugby: Auckland to have four World Cup fan zones

Auckland will have four Fan Zones for the Rugby World Cup next year. Photo / Getty Images

Queens Wharf will be one of four official fan zones in Auckland during the Rugby World Cup next year.

The downtown wharf, which has been the subject of much debate over what to do with its existing sheds, will host a public celebration on the opening night of the tournament, September 9.

It would be open every day of the tournament and could cater for up to 20,000 people, World Cup Auckland steering group chairwoman Rachael Dacy said.

Official fan zones would also be set up at the Civic Lakes in Albany on the North Shore, Trusts Stadium in Henderson, west Auckland and at the Pacific Events Centre in Manukau.

Fan zones had been a vital part of global sporting events such as the World Cup soccer and the Olympics, Ms Dacy said.

As well as big screen coverage of the matches they would offer live entertainment, opportunities to showcase New Zealand food, culture and music, as well as visitor information.

"Fan zones will attract large numbers of people who may not normally head to these locations giving nearby bars, restaurants and other businesses opportunities to capitalise on increased foot traffic."

Ms Dacy said the Albany fan zone could cater for up to 10,000 people in two areas, one licensed and one family-friendly. It would feature a floating screen on one of the lakes.

Trusts Stadium could cope with up to 7000 people while the Pacific Events Centre could host 8000, she said.

In addition to the fan zones, Ms Dacy said there would be festival sites in the southeast suburb of Pakuranga, at Papakura at the far south of metropolitan Auckland, and in the Rodney district north of Auckland.

Other events such as the Diwali Festival of Lights in the revamped Aotea Square, the Auckland Heritage Festival and the Manukau Festival of Arts would also be held during the tournament.

Ms Dacy said the Fan Zones were covered by Auckland's existing rugby world cup budgets and there would be no extra cost to ratepayers.

- NZPA