INVASION OF THE RED ARMY
20,500 international visitors are expected in Auckland for the hugely anticipated first test between the All Blacks and the Lions on Saturday night. The tour is tipped to pump $26.7 million into the regional economy. Pubs anticipate a roaring trade, with
Auckland is set for a multimillion-dollar injection this weekend as the Lions and their cashed-up army of supporters roll into town. The first of two Lions-All Blacks tests in the city will be played at Eden Park on Saturday.
The city also hosts a Matariki festival this weekend and nervous yachting fans will be up early for more of the America’s Cup finals.
The British and Irish Lions tour is expected to pump $26.7 million into the Auckland economy, and bars and hotels are already feeling the effects of the more than 20,500 international and 14,000 domestic visitors expected to arrive for the rugby.
Tickets are still available for both the first and third test at Eden Park.
The city’s Irish pubs are preparing for an avalanche of thirsty punters.
O’Hagans and Danny Doolans operations manager Colin Maguire said capacity at his Viaduct Harbour bars would triple for the game.
“We’re going from a capacity of 400 to 1200 at O’Hagans, we’ve got live music, face painters, the whole lot. It’s going to be insane mate. “I’ve got 120 extra kegs arriving . . .” He expected it to be “very similar” to St Patrick’s Day.
“I expect around midday on game day people will be coming out and getting on the beer. It’ll get absolutely crazy busy around 10pm when everyone arrives from Eden Park.
“I’m hoping it’ll be similar on the Viaduct to the Rugby World Cup.”
Hospitality New Zealand spokes- woman Rachael Shadbolt said there were still hotel rooms available in Auckland but “it’s not a bad thing”.
“The Lions tour has been a really lovely boost for Auckland at this time of year but the hotels aren’t chocka.”
Shadbolt said the accommodation levels were similar to those during a Bledisloe Cup game.
“The really nice thing is that the fans are coming in earlier. This time of year you wouldn’t see many tourists on the Waiheke ferry but there’s been a lot of red shirts heading over.
“We’re not full but there’s definitely lots of people in Auckland.”
There has also been a spike in Airbnb bookings in Auckland. Guests have more than doubled for this weekend compared with the same time last year, from 1585 to 3817.
A police spokesman said he could not give specific information on preparations for the game for “operational reasons”, but said “with any event like this there will be an increased presence”.
Although Saturday’s test is yet to sell out, the cheapest available tickets were priced at $467 yesterday.
Queens Wharf will be Auckland’s entertainment hub while the Lions are here. It opens at 3pm today. Dan Carter will be there tomorrow to reminisce on his 2005 masterclass performance against the Lions.
The fan trail introduced for the Rugby World Cup in 2011 is back, and will take punters along a 4.2km route from Queens Wharf to Eden Park.
It will feature street performers such as fire dancers, circus acts, drag queens, Celtic and samba drummers, live music and face painting.