Fun and games aplenty at the Sevens (+ video)

It's expected to be a great family day out at the Bayleys National Sevens Tournament this weekend.

Top provincial teams from throughout the country will compete at the two-day event at the Rotorua International Stadium.

Event director Allison Stewart said there was a "great vibe" in the city leading up to the competition with strong support from local retailers decorating their windows.

"Everybody is excited that they're all coming," she said.

While the players would be competing for the championship title there was plenty of other action being held off and on the field, Mrs Stewart said.

"The tournament will kick off at 10am on Saturday and there will be an official ceremony at 2pm with the teams all marching around the stadium. Then there will be a sevens legends game.

"Those include (All Blacks Sevens) DJ Forbes, Tim Mikkelson, (New Zealand Maori All Black and Bay of Plenty player), Zar Lawrence, Craig De Goldie and a raft of others," she said.

"Karl Te Nana who commentates on Sky Sport is going to run sideline commentating and there will be a couple of high profile waterboys. It's a wonderful mix of past and present sevens players. Afterwards, they will sign autographs and take photos with fans."

Mrs Stewart says 16 men and 10 women teams are taking part and, along with their supporters, will give Rotorua a substantial economic injection.

"We're always encouraging people to dress up for the games, we know of a couple of large groups coming, a family reunion dressing in vintage gear and a hen's party. There will be something for everybody and great music throughout."

A children's fun area will be set up again with a bouncy castle and other activities.

Watch last year's action here:

Click for video

ACC, supporting sponsor, will also be hosting a hydration station on Sunday, offering free water and injury prevention tips to visitors.

"January on a sunny Rotorua day can be hot, so this is a great chance to remind everyone to drink plenty of water, whether you're a player or a spectator," ACC chief executive Scott Pickering said.

"We receive about 400,000 claims each year related to sport and recreation activities, and in particular we're increasingly concerned with the long-term health risks caused by concussions."

? The Bayleys National Sevens will be held on Saturday and Sunday at the Rotorua International Stadium. Daily tickets are $15 adult, $5 child and a family of four (two adults and two children) is $35 per day. Tickets available from Ticketmaster or the stadium.