Sevens Wellington fans set for carnival weekend
Photo: Marc Sing Key
Sevens Wellington 2015 is shaping up for a sensational holiday weekend with all 16 teams in town, the stadium pitch in tip-top condition, final touches to costumes underway and the team behind the tournament confident it will be another fantastic event.
Sevens Wellington General Manager Steve Dunbar said he expects the action on the field to crank up a notch with valuable qualifying points up for grabs. Teams are vying for a top four placing in the HSBC World Series to automatically qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
“The teams’ Olympic hopes are on the line. We want Wellington fans to come along to show their support for all the teams and enjoy a great Waitangi Day weekend.
“It’s the only time all year the All Blacks Sevens get to play in front of a home crowd so it’s a very special tournament for the team and fans. Currently they are third on the table behind South Africa and Fiji and they’ll be keen to move up the table in Wellington.”
Sevens Wellington is one of the major events on the Westpac Stadium calendar and Chief Executive Shane Harmon said his team had been preparing the pitch and facilities for both athletes and fans for months.
“This is a fabulous tournament for fans. You can’t beat being at the Stadium to be right in the middle of the action. This year we’ve got a new range of food and beverage options and are pleased to have ensured there will be no public holiday surcharge. While we will of course be monitoring fan behavior and intoxication levels, this will be a great carnival for everyone to enjoy.”
Police Operation Commander, Inspector Terry van Dillen, said the goal of the Police was for everyone to have fun and stay safe.
“If you are heading out to the games, or joining the fun afterwards, make sure you stay safe and sensible; look after your mates, remember to drink responsibly, grab something to eat and plan a way to get home.”
Wellington Free Ambulance paramedics and volunteers will also be on the sideline at Westpac Stadium to take care of the fans.
“We’ll be there in case people are unexpectedly sick or hurt. Our message to fans is if you’re not feeling well come up and talk to one of our people,” advises head of emergency preparedness Warren Cornor. “We’ll be happy to help.”
Sevens Wellington beverage supplier, Lion, will be providing Speight’s Mid Ale, a new mid-strength beer option and along with existing water stations, the Water Warriors will be in force providing free water to fans.
There is still an opportunity for fans to join in the fun with tickets available for $149 for a two-day pass. Visit www.ticketek.co.nz.
About Sevens Wellington
• 16 teams competing
• Kick off at 12pm on both Friday and Saturday. Gates open 11am
• Semi-finals and place play-offs from 5.12pm on Saturday, 7 February
• Final at 8.55pm on Saturday, 7 February
Reminder to public
An alcohol ban in Wellington’s CBD will be in place throughout the central city and along the waterfront. People found drinking in a public place can face an instant $250 fine.
Alcohol disposal points will be at the entrances to the Courtenay Place zone for those coming into the city so they don’t breach the alcohol ban.
Areas such as the Wellington Railway station, the Fran Wilde Walkway and private car parks within the alcohol ban area will also fall under the CBD alcohol ban area.
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