Hamilton hospo industry prepares for big night

It's all hands on deck as Hamilton's hospitality industry pulls together for its biggest night of the year the Super Rugby grand final.

It's the second consecutive year the Chiefs have staged a home Super 15 final and the city began to swell yesterday as fans flocked to Hamilton and Australian opponents the Brumbies settled in with their supporters.

Phoenix Group director Jason Macklow said his group of bars have hired extra equipment and 20 per cent more staff to deal with what would be their biggest trading night this year.

The Phoenix Group helped to organise an alcohol-free fanzone with a big screen television and other family entertainment for fans unable to get a ticket to the match.

Mr Macklow said Hamilton was getting used to hosting big events including All Black test matches, the V8s and two Super Rugby finals.

"This is right up there competing with each other, they are all massive nights but the weather has a bit to do with it. The win element has a bit to do with it as well but these nights are just huge for the city," Mr Macklow said.

"We run busy bars in general but we have got probably an extra 20 per cent of staff rostered on to handle this, a couple of extra chillers with kegs and bits and pieces so we are gearing ourselves up for a big one."

Estimates put the economic benefit of last year's final to the city at $5 million.

Hamilton Central Business Association general manager Sandy Turner passed up tickets to the game to co-ordinate the city's fanzone in Hood St, which will be closed to traffic from 4pm.

Ms Turner said she expected hundreds to flock to the area where the festivities kick off at 6pm.

"There's all kinds of free entertainment for families stilt walkers, face painters, balloon giveaways, a big screen, a completely alcohol free street.

"It's an opportunity for members of the public to bring their beanbags and picnic chairs in to watch it and should we win, which of course we're going to, the game will be re-run later in the evening."

She said a ticker tape parade was already planned for Sunday if the Chiefs win.

Lawrenson Group chief executive John Lawrenson said he was preparing for up to 8000 people across his 13 bars and restaurants, including the wives and girlfriends of the rugby stars.

Mr Lawrenson, who co-owns Shenanigans Irish Pub with Chiefs centre Richard Kahui and former All Black Stephen Donald, said he had bought more glassware, hired 30 extra bar leaners and tables, and would stage two marquees at The Helm near Waikato Stadium, and another in the garden bar at The Bank.

He said the great thing about New Zealand and Waikato rugby was that after the game fans would likely get the chance to mix with players once their official duties were over.

Waikato Motel Association president Mike Ward said visitors had booked motels in nearby Cambridge and Te Awamutu as accommodation in Hamilton was snapped up.

However Mr Ward said it was disappointing Brumbies supporters were told there was "nothing left in Hamilton" by Auckland moteliers who had arranged packages for them.

"The problem with that is they will see the game and put them straight back on a bus, take 'em back to Auckland and they are going to miss out on all of the parties."

What hospitality businesses have hired or acquired

• Extra staff
• More glassware
• Marquees
• Live bands
• Lighting and sound gear
• Bar leaners and tables
• Pizza ovens
• Deep friers
• Chillers
• Special liquor licences