The scale is somewhat different, but the New Zealand Rugby Union may be able to cherrypick some ideas for its 2011 World Cup from the global soccer jamboree taking place in Germany.
Former All Black Brent Anderson has returned from a European trip, which included a few days in Berlin
taking in off-the-field activities around the World Cup.
Anderson, now on the rugby union staff in Wellington, admitted some of what he saw was eye-opening and he believes there will be some elements that will be well worth the union taking a hard look at implementing in some form in 2011.
Anderson's focus was on elements surrounding the games, such as how to keep thousands of fans happy and entertained, especially those who did not have tickets for the games in Berlin. He reckoned the complex built in front of the historic Reichstag building, which houses the German Parliament, was jaw-dropping in scale.
It was 2km long, four lanes wide, three storeys high with eight giant screens and events and entertainment in the shape of soccer balls, interactive areas, souvenirs, plenty of food and drink stands, and capable of hosting crowds well into six figures.
"Through the first two weeks of the cup there were games every day, but only six in the whole tournament are in Berlin," Anderson said. "So what they've done is catered for visitors who've come to Berlin, and Berliners, to have a focal point and be part of the crowd."
Anderson was impressed by small touches, such as the live screening in the fan festival area of the British Formula One Grand Prix in the hours leading up to the opening game between Germany and Costa Rica.
Sponsors adidas had built replica stadiums, seating up to 8000 to watch games on big screens.
Anderson took a look at transport and the ease of getting to and from the stadium - "just one train after another, a 5-10 minute wait maximum getting back into the city" - ticketing, and amenities immediately outside stadiums.
Anderson wonders if there is potential to create similar fan-friendly operations during the rugby World Cup, for example along the Wellington waterfront, or Aotea Square, to provide entertainment for visitors with and without tickets for matches.
He isn't getting too carried away but believes there must be lessons for the rugby World Cup planning committee to consider once its various arms are fully operational.
Much of it is not rocket science, but it is all part of a massive package which will be needed to ensure the estimated 60,000 plus supporters who will be dotted about New Zealand are catered for, and not just in terms of having tickets for games.
Anderson will prepare reports on what he saw for the World Cup organisers.
The scale is somewhat different, but the New Zealand Rugby Union may be able to cherrypick some ideas for its 2011 World Cup from the global soccer jamboree taking place in Germany.
Former All Black Brent Anderson has returned from a European trip, which included a few days in Berlin
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