Tauranga will finally get the chance to celebrate the efforts of Emirates Team New Zealand later this month.
Tauranga City Council announced it will host celebrations on Tauranga's waterfront with Peter Burling, several other members of the team and the Auld Mug itself on Sunday, August 27.
Tauranga Mayor Greg Brownless said the Sunday early afternoon event would give the whole community the opportunity to pay tribute to New Zealand's victorious sailors.
"With our very own Peter Burling at the helm, this team delivered an outstanding success and thrilled the whole country when they raced across the waters in Bermuda.
"We're looking forward to seeing people from Tauranga and the region come out to give these guys the celebration they deserve. It is an excellent opportunity for fans, families and friends to spend some time out at the central city waterfront on a Sunday afternoon.
Peter Burling and other team members are expected to arrive by boat and will be welcomed by the crowds along the waterfront. The celebration will begin at 1pm at the Edgewater Fan at the Tauranga central city waterfront. A short ceremony including a haka performed by Tauranga Boys' College senior students and speeches will take place with a chance to hear from the athletes themselves, and Mayor Greg Brownless.
After the ceremony, ETNZ team members and the Auld Mug will be available for photos to give everyone the chance to get their own piece of America's Cup history.
If people plan to join the America's Cup celebration, please be prepared for large crowds and consider using public transport to avoid traffic and parking congestion. Please find bus schedules at www.baybus.co.nz. If you come in by car, parking is free in the CBD on Sundays. The celebrations will take place rain or shine at the Tauranga CBD waterfront and a large screen will be available to view the ceremonies, in case spectators can't get close to the stage.