By JULIE ASH
A new interactive centre in the Viaduct Harbour will get Team New Zealand fans so close to America's Cup action that downing sea-sick tablets before entering may be a good idea.
The Telecom Shed on the Eastern Viaduct will contain interactive Team New Zealand and America's Cup
games and demonstrations, as well as the latest communications technology.
Entry to the 750sq m, Telecom-financed shed will be free.
It will be open from the start of the Louis Vuitton Challenger series in October through to the end of the America's Cup in March.
Telecom's general manager, Kevin Kenrick, said it wanted to create something where New Zealanders could go to learn more about Team New Zealand and celebrate their achievements.
"People will be able to go to the shed to keep in touch with the action, have a go at using the interactive grinding Machine, and learn about the history of the America's Cup.
"Last time a lot of New Zealanders came to the Viaduct Basin, but few were able to get out on the water. This time we want to connect people to the event and Team New Zealand."
Construction began last weekend. Kenrick could not say how much the venture was costing, except that it was a "significant seven-figure sum."
Swiss syndicate Alinghi have opened an interactive plaza at their base.
Team New Zealand's chief executive, Ross Blackman, said the initiative was a tremendous boost for the event.
"When Sir Peter Blake first envisioned the Viaduct Harbour, few believed it could become the facility it is today.
"From our point of view the Telecom Shed is very exciting. We can't invite everyone personally down to the dock, but this is the next best thing."
