MEDIA RELEASE
RUGBY TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY
10 September 2011
Eden Park Pavilion impresses guests at Rugby World Cup 2011 Opening Match
Hospitality guests at last night’s Rugby World Cup 2011 Opening Match were the first to see the flagship of the Official
Hospitality Programme, Eden Park Pavilion, in its full glory.
The stunning $7 million venue has been purpose built onsite at Eden Park over the past two months, with hundreds of
local suppliers working around the clock to ensure a high standard of luxury inside.
Before last night’s Opening Ceremony and match featuring New Zealand vs Tonga, guests were treated to a superb
four-course fine dining and entertainment experience embracing the best of New Zealand.
The menu, created by local Auckland business Austin’s Food Design Events, featured Savannah Angus beef sirloin as the
main dish, served with roast gourmet potato, caramelised onions, wild rocket, vine-ripened tomatoes, steamed seasonal
vegetables and port wine jus.
Guests were entertained with predictions for the game ahead by celebrity guest speakers Andrew Merhtens and Peter
FitzSimons.
There was also a special appearance by the Webb Ellis Cup, which arrived in New Zealand last Saturday and has now been
locked away until the final match at Eden Park.
David White, spokesperson for the RWC 2011 Official Hospitality Programme, says it is great to see years of planning
finally coming to fruition.
“New Zealanders have never experienced hospitality of this scale before. Eden Park Pavilion definitely is the place to
be during the Tournament.”
Mr White says the Pavilion is on the verge of selling out for the semi-finals and Final.
“We can seat 3,000 people across the six stunning restaurants inside, and for the semi-finals and Final we only have a
handful of places left before the Pavilion sells-out.”
For more information about Rugby World Cup 2011 Official Hospitality Packages, please visit www.rth2011.com
ENDS