Kick-off on Tauranga waterfront

Councillor Terry Molloy. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

Tauranga fans can clamber into the boiling cauldron of Lions and All Black rugby free of charge on Saturday night.

Tauranga City Council has organised a fanzone on the Tauranga CBD waterfront where people can enjoy a free live broadcast of the sold-out first DHL Lions versus All Blacks test match on a big screen.

That'll have a lot of appeal to those who can't afford or have access to pay-to-view TV or buy a seat for $140-449, and those who just want share the experience of the All Blacks spanking the Lions with other Tauranga fans. Hopefully!

Councillor Terry Molloy is looking forward to test fervour in the CBD. 'We wanted to make sure people could be part of the excitement even if they weren't able to get to Eden Park.”

And whether people are locals or visitors, Terry says the family-friendly fanzone will be the place to be for a slice of off-field action.

The live broadcast begins at 6.30pm with the test match kicking off at 7.35pm. Some food and drink options will be available in the fanzone and all the CBD restaurants and bars will be open. It is an alcohol-free zone but you can take a picnic. Access to the fanzone is free.

'Don't forget to bring a blanket, a chair and wrap yourself warmly for a night of rugby,” says Terry. Both the Elizabeth St and Spring St carparks will be open 24/7 and free on the day. Visitors can also park all day free on off-street car parks and free from 1pm in on-street car parks. Tauranga's city centre, including the waterfront, is a 24/7 alcohol-free and glass-free zone.

You may also like....