Free buses and bike options to Steamers game

LOYAL SUPPORTER: Bike to the game on Saturday and cheer on the Steamers, is the message Chris Willett from Tauranga Triathlon is giving. PHOTO/JOHN BORREN

Bay of Plenty Steamers supporters are encouraged to get on their bikes and cycle to Saturday's opening Mitre 10 Cup match against the Taranaki Bulls at Tauranga Domain.

It is one of a host of family-friendly factors designed to fill the Domain and create the atmosphere fans were denied at Baypark Stadium.

Tauranga Triathlon Club hadprovided bike racks inside the ground but supporters would need to bring their own bike lock to keep bikes secure.

Bay of Plenty Rugby CEO Mike Rogers said they wanted to take away the barriers that may stop people attending games.

"We are always trying to consider what is going to work well in terms of getting people to our games," he said.

"This is a good, fun activity and if it makes it easier from a transport point of view that people can roll up on their bikes, enjoy the game and roll off again without worrying about the car, then it seemed like something work trying.

"We talked to the council and they thought it was a good idea as well. It fits that CBD strategy and hopefully people get in behind it and they see it as a unique way of getting along to a rugby game."

Children would be looked after inside the ground at a family zone to occupy them during the game and would also get free food, thanks to the generous support of Mount Maunganui New World and the Little Big Markets stallholders.

"We are all about family so if it means we can provide something for our younger supporters and they get a free feed then that's great," Rogers said.

An additional reason not to take your car to the game was supporters with pre-paid tickets could travel free on Bay Bus Transport buses.

"With TV these days it is pretty easy to sit at home and enjoy the game there so I think it is our responsibility to take away those barriers as to why people don't come to the games," Rogers said.

"If we can provide free transport and make it easy for people to get to and from the game then it takes away another barrier.

"We have had help from Tauranga City Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council to achieve this."

There will also be a pre-match entertainment show designed to cater for all age groups.

The Fans in Town is at Masonic Park in the CBD from 11am to 2pm.

There will be face painting and entertainment from Circus in a Flash, Fuse Street Drummers as well as funk and blues band Ahjeez, who have just made it to the top eight out of 700 competitors in this year's Smokefreerockquest.

As of last night there were only 900 tickets left before the Sold Out sign goes up for the game. There are gate sales available but fans are advised to buy online at www.boprugby.co.nz or www.ticketmaster.co.nz.