Editorial: Lack of fan zone a major mistake

Sadly, Tauranga has missed the boat on the Rugby World Cup and, once again, the excuse of a lack of money seems to underpin the situation.

Rugby supporters, locals and visitors, are searching for a big screen to watch the interesting matches and have some fun. But as everyone knows by now, there isn't a big screen anywhere.

Someone, somewhere has missed the opportunity. And no doubt, no one will take the blame. Creating a fan zone does cost money but, with planning and foresight, some sponsorship, a council contribution and a community grant, we could have had one.

Tauranga has an ideal venue - the under-utilised Edgewater Fan on The Strand waterfront, built like a soundshell. The fan zone on the waterfront would have created a great atmosphere - just as it has done in other places that have taken on the spirit and excitement of the World Cup, even small towns such as Taupo, Wairoa and Waipukurau. They got themselves organised.

Even TECT Arena at Baypark could have organised screenings of the big matches. I don't think people would have minded paying a small charge to take in the game of the day in the swish 5000-seat arena. That's an experience in its own right.

Someone, somewhere misjudged the impact the World Cup would have - especially since Tauranga wasn't hosting a match. Interestingly, Rotorua has become the least supported venue in terms of crowd numbers and ticket prices have dropped to $31.

Tauranga should have competed more strongly against its near neighbour to host the pool matches. That would have been the impetus to join the World Cup party.

Even Baypark Stadium would have attracted larger crowds than Rotorua - because Tauranga people have a track record for supporting big sporting events; probably because they don't get a lot of them.

Ironically, Tauranga played a leading role in the World Cup opening in Auckland last Friday - celestial navigator Jack Thatcher led the procession of 600 warriors along the waterfront, homegrown Ria Hall sang at the spectacular ceremony at Eden Park and our own ingenious blokarts were on show there.

Tauranga has the talent and the potential - but this time someone, somewhere has let the city down by not organising more activity to celebrate the World Cup. More visitors will arrive here over the next month - including three cruise ships staying overnight and bringing up to 5000 passengers. Maybe there's still time to organise a big screen and a party for them at the Edgewater Fan.