Sevens Heaven: Rotorua hosts National Sevens

Todd Barwick and Norman Mareko, Sky TV camera operators, set up at the stadium for this weekend's event.

The waiting is over, it's kick-off time.

Thousands will head to the Rotorua International Stadium today and tomorrow for the Bayleys National Sevens Rugby tournament.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Mike Rogers said the event would focus on bringing the entertainment of the sevens game to a family-based audience.

"We want patrons to be aware of the special provisions that we're putting in place to cater for mums and dads, young people and the whole whanau," Mr Rogers said. "We're going to create a relaxed, safe, family festival environment for everyone to enjoy."

Children's entertainment will include a bouncy castle, a play area, a water slide, face painting and a craft area where kids can get involved in making a costume to support a team.

"We're also looking after families by allowing them to bring non-commercial food from home into the stadium so as to help keep down their costs of attending," Mr Rogers said. People can also buy food and drink at the stadium.

He said this year would be the first time the national sevens competition had included a women's section.

This year's event will also feature more teams than in the past, with 26 teams representing 16 provinces across the country.

Rotorua District Council's events and venues general manager Peter McLeod said parking was available at the stadium.

"We have ample parking available at the International Stadium. Motorists coming from the north and the city area are advised to enter car-park areas from Thiebe St, while those coming from the south are best to take the Devon St West entrance," he said.

MetService meteorologist Daniel Corbett had good news, saying Rotorua was in for a nice weekend.

"On Saturday, it should be sunny with temperatures of 22C and on Sunday it will be mostly the same at 21C. There is a westerly front ahead but it looks like on Monday there will be a few showers. So overall, a good weekend for the sevens."

Gates open daily at 11.30am with games kicking off at 12pm and the last game scheduled to start at 7.30pm.

Tickets are $35 for a family pass (two adults and up to three children under 15), $15 for adults and $5 for children (under 15). Tickets are available at the gates.