Queens Wharf will be at the heart of the action when Auckland welcomes The British & Irish Lions back to New Zealand for the DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017.
Auckland is hosting three matches during the upcoming tour, highlighted by two Test matches against the All Blacks (Saturday, 24 June and Saturday, 8 July), as well as an exciting mid-week fixture against the Blues (Wednesday, 7 June).
Auckland is expected to welcome more than 20,500 international and 14,000 domestic visitors to the region for one of the most iconic touring rugby series in the world. The projected benefits for Auckland are 165,210 visitor nights and a contribution of $26.7 million to the Auckland regional economy.
Whether you’re a ticket-holder or not, there will be great opportunities for Aucklanders and visitors to mix with other fans, share the excitement of the Series, and watch all the rugby action live.
Queens Wharf will be home to the main Auckland Fanzone and be the Auckland hub for the Rugby 2017 Festival, complete with entertainment, exhibitions and activities. Queens Wharf Auckland Fanzone will be the biggest Series Fanzone in the country.
Regional Fanzones will also be in place for each of the Test matches of the Series. The Trusts Arena in Henderson will be activated as a Fanzone on Saturday, 24 June; Manukau’s Vodafone Events Centre will be a regional Fanzone on Saturday, 1 July; and the North Shore Events Centre will be operating on Saturday, 8 July.
Both Queens Wharf and the regional Fanzones will screen the Test matches live, as well as having entertainment, food and drink, and fun family-friendly activities.
Auckland’s famous Fan Trail between the waterfront and Eden Park will also be up and running for the two Auckland Test matches. The Fan Trail is a fun-filled walking route stretching from downtown to Eden Park. It will be packed with live entertainment and lots of activity, come rain or shine.
Mayor Phil Goff says Lions tours are incredible events and with nearly 20,000 international visitors expected in Auckland, the focus will be on making this Series an unmissable event for Aucklanders and visitors alike.
“Auckland comes alive for Lions tours. The passion, tradition and quality of rugby on display is great for the fans and Auckland gets a chance to show off everything that makes it such a great place to live. I’m looking forward to a fantastic few weeks in our city.”
The Queens Wharf Auckland Fanzone and Fan Trail are being delivered by ATEED on behalf of Auckland Council, in association with central government. ATEED is a Host City Sponsor, on behalf of the Auckland Council, for the Series which is being delivered by NZ Rugby (NZR).
- For more information go to aucklandnz.com/dhlnzlionsseries2017, which will be updated with times, dates and entertainment programmes when confirmed.
- ATEED is looking for volunteers keen to help out with events and provide directions, city information and games information to visitors. To find out more information, go to https://volunteernet.org.nz/event/dhl-new-zealand-lions-series-2017.
- Tickets for Blues match against the Lions are on sale from www.nzlionseries17.com. Tickets for the Test matches are exhausted.
NOTES TO EDITOR
DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017:
- The British & Irish Lions team is selected from players eligible for any of the national sides of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales and dates back to 1888.
- Since 1989, the Lions have toured every four years, with these tours rotating among Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa meaning that the Lions play in each of these countries every 12 years.
- The last Series was held in Australia in 2013, with the Series won by the Lions.
- This is the 12th tour to New Zealand by the Lions.
- The Series will take place from 3 June to 8 July. The Lions will play 10 matches commencing in Whangarei and including three Tests against the All Blacks (two in Auckland and one in Wellington).
- The All Blacks have won 29 out of 37 Tests played between both sides. There have been three draws.
- The Lions team will arrive in advance of the first match in the Series on 3 June 2017 and remain in New Zealand until after the last match on 8 July - at least 40 days and spread across seven cities.
Series fixtures in Auckland:
- ATEED led Auckland’s bid to secure NZR home international fixtures in 2016/17, working alongside other regional partners including the Auckland Rugby Union, North Harbour Rugby Union, Counties Manukau Rugby Union, the Blues, Regional Facilities Auckland, Auckland Transport and Eden Park to secure a package of fixtures.
- This collaborative approach resulted in Auckland securing All Blacks matches against Wales and Australia in 2016; two tests and one Blues match for the DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017; and the All Blacks against South Africa in September 2017.
- ATEED is working with stakeholders across Auckland to ensure the city is positioned and prepared to make the most of this opportunity and the visitors it will bring.