Rotorua Citizens Club secretary manager Richard Hyland said today would be a "big day" for the club.
"We always get a keen turnout for the Melbourne Cup with a couple of hundred locals looking to watch the race together."
Mr Hyland said the punters' club would be running and there would be spot prizes, full TAB facilities and best dressed male and female draws.
"It will be a great day as people really get into the spirit of the race and the air of excitement is undeniable. Anyone can come along, all they have to do is sign in."
RSA operations manager Cathy Donoghue said this year's event would be a "low key affair".
"We are keeping it pretty quiet this year with plans to go bigger and better next year.
"With that said we will still be having the ladies hat parade, a sweepstake, and a DJ playing from 3pm to 7pm."
Westend TAB manager Kevin Craig said many locals would be punting for a Kiwi to win.
"He's not a favourite but for New Zealand's sake I think many Kiwis would be hoping Who Shot Thebarman is in with a chance."
Mr Craig said Melbourne Cup day was the "biggest turnover [day] of the year".
"We have been doing this for years so we know what to prepare for and as soon as our doors open, all hell will break loose.
"We will have hundreds of locals in and out throughout the day so we will be flat out."
The big race starts at 5pm.
