MEDIA RELEASE

29 June 2005

Travel tips to cope with the Auckland v Lions game

Auckland City Council is urging rugby fans and commuters alike to use public transport to avoid congestion around Eden Park for next Tuesday’s Lions game.

A restricted traffic area will be in place around Eden Park for the match between Auckland and the Lions, which will be attended by more than 40,000 ticket holders.

Several roads immediately surrounding the ground will be closed to all traffic except for authorised vehicles, buses, some taxis and residents’ vehicles. Sandringham Road may be closed for safety reasons.

Auckland City’s traffic and roading service delivery manager, Chris Gasson, is urging ticket holders to make every effort to get to Eden Park well before the 7.10pm kick-off.

“This is a mid-week game so rugby fans will be making their way to the match around the same time as commuters are leaving work. We don’t want 40,000 fans hitting the roads at the same time as thousands of commuters, so we’re advising ticket holders to get to the game early and to use public transport,” Mr Gasson says.

Commuters are also advised to use public transport because buses and trains will be able to move through the suburbs of Sandringham and Mt Eden more easily than private cars.

Event facilitator Joanne Godsalve says workers who are based in the CBD should also consider staying in the city after work on Tuesday to attend a free event at the Viaduct Harbour.

She says The Big Screen Barbeque begins at 5.30pm and gives people the chance to see the Auckland v Lions match relayed on a giant outdoor screen.

The best-dressed supporter will receive a $500 shopping spree and the crowd will also be entertained by Kiwi band, Spasifix and a special dance troop.

Visitors to the city for the Lions tour are expected to pump $40 million into the local economy and Auckland City has planned extensively to ensure the event is a success.

The council also reminds ticket holders and residents that there is an alcohol ban in place in the CBD.

Members of the public wanting more information about the traffic management plan around Eden park can call Auckland City’s Lions hotline on (09) 379 1350 or visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/lions.

ENDS

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