Sevens heaven this weekend!

29 January 2013

Sevens heaven this weekend!

The Hertz Sevens gets under way this Thursday as the 16 international teams parade through the CBD – followed on Friday by two action-packed game days at Westpac Stadium in front of 35,000 fans dressed in crazy costumes.

The parade will start at 12.45pm at Ballance Street and head down Lambton, Willis and Mercer Streets to Civic Square where Mayor Celia-Wade Brown will officially welcome the teams.

“Our tournament has a unique atmosphere as Westpac Stadium and the Waterfront is abuzz with colour and noise. That’s a key reason why players love to play in Wellington” says Mayor Wade-Brown.

The Council’s Sports and Events Portfolio Leader, Councillor John Morrison, says there will be a few new additions to this hugely popular carnival.

“This year we’ve got volunteers handing out free water to fans walking along the waterfront to the stadium. More food stalls will be set up along this route and we’ll also trial food stalls in Courtenay Place on Saturday night.”

Courtenay Place and some surrounding streets will be closed to traffic from 5pm, Saturday 2 February until 6am Sunday 3 February, as thousands of fans head to the area after the games. Buses and taxis will be re-routed during this time.

There will be vehicle access for residents who use off-street parking – note that it’s helpful if you have some proof of residency. If you live in the affected areas and have a query, phone 499 4444.

We also remind bars to be responsible hosts by providing free water and having food available at their premises.

“Bars have an important role to play in providing a safe and enjoyable night out, and with thousands of people in town, we’re also urging people to look after themselves and their mates,” says Cr Morrison.

“And remember that the 24-hour liquor ban in the central city still stands, so don’t bring your own drinks. We want everyone to have a fun and safe Sevens weekend.”

The cordoned-off area around Courtenay Place is expected to be busy with crowds on their way to bars and food stalls. If you find this area too busy, we suggest you try elsewhere in the CBD.

Road closures will be in place on Thursday at lunchtime along Lambton Quay and Willis Street for the Hertz Sevens Parade. If you work or live in the area, pop outside and cheer on the 16 international teams as they're welcomed to the city.

After the parade there will be a media photo opportunity with the team captains and Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown in Civic Square at 2pm.

For more information visit www.wellington.govt.nz/services/events/rugby7s/rugby7s

Road closures this Thursday (31 January)
Hertz Rugby Sevens street parade

These roads will be closed for the parade to assemble from 7am until 1.30pm:

• Stout Street between Lambton Quay and Ballance Street – people will still be able to access the Creative New Zealand dock-way.
• Ballance Street between Lambton Quay and Stout Street – there will still be access for court vehicles.

The majority of the parade will assemble in the closed areas of Stout and Ballance streets, and the overflow will assemble in other car parking areas of Ballance Street. Parking will be restricted from 6am.

The following roads will be closed for the parade from 12.15pm–1.30pm:

• Lambton Quay between Whitmore Street and Willis Street
• Willis Street between the Lambton Quay/Willeston Street intersection and Manners Street
• Mercer Street between Willis Street and Victoria Street
• Victoria Street between Harris Street and Mercer Street – this includes the Mercer/Wakefield Street intersection drop-off area
• Wakefield Street – the northern side – between Victoria Street and Cuba Street.

Rugby Sevens street closure

These roads will be closed from 5pm Saturday 2 February to 6am
Sunday 3 February:

• Courtenay Place from Cambridge Terrace to Taranaki Street
• All of Blair Street – limited resident access.
• All of Allen Street – limited resident access
• Tory Street between Wakefield Street and Tennyson Street, including Holland Street and Forresters Lane – limited resident access.
• Taranaki Street between Wakefield Street and Ghuznee Street, includes York Street, Lukes and Halleys Lane – limited resident access.
• All of Inglewood Place – limited resident access to the parking building
• Dixon Street between Taranaki Street and Victoria Street, including Christeson Lane.
• Manners Street between Taranaki Street and Victoria Street.
• Cuba Street between Manners Street and Wakefield Street.

ENDS

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