McLean Park prepares for All Blacks

NZRU operations manager Dan Tatham, Napier City Council's Lance Titter and the Hawke's Bay Rugby union pair of Gary Macdonald and Chris Kitto. Photo / Paul Taylor

An additional 100 port-a-loos and 20 Gala Caterers caravans will be on site to meet the demand of fans at Napier's McLean Park for the September 6 All Blacks rugby test.

These were just some of the statistics revealed by Hawke's Bay Rugby Union's commercial manager Jay Campbell after on on-site meeting with New Zealand Rugby Union's operations manager Dan Tatham, Napier City Council staff and Sky Television representatives yesterday. Mr Campbell said fewer than 3000 tickets remain for the Investec Rugby Championship test against Argentina and these are all in the Ticket Direct temporary stands which will accommodate 9500 spectators.

"Planning for the test began back in November and we will have 12 staff and more than 100 volunteers assisting on the night to ensure a smooth test match for the 23,000 seated fans," Mr Campbell said.

Mr Tatham gave the work to date a huge thumbs-up.

"We're really happy after a good day here in the Bay. The park is in majestic condition and everything is shaping up well.

"Live coverage of the test will involve 20 cameras, 13 more than at an ITM Cup game. People in Hawke's Bay are well versed in hosting ITM Cup games and shield games ... there are a few more requirements for a test match and this will be the first in the Bay since 1996," Mr Tatham said.