Three sporting spectacles are being hosted in Auckland tonight – in an evening set to have a “direct impact” on the economics of the supercity.
At Spark Arena, 3000 people will gather to watch one of basketball’s greatest entertainers, the Harlem Globetrotters from 6pm.
Meanwhile, it’s a sell-out at Mt Smart, with more than 24,000 preparing to see the New Zealand Warriors take on the Dragons at 7.35pm.
Eden Park will also be at capacity as the All Blacks look to extend their 32-year unbeaten record at the hallowed turf by defeating Ireland with a kick off at 7.10pm.
Live updates: All Blacks v Ireland
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill said: "We know an All Black game will return about $3 million GDP."
“That’s like [a] net benefit to the city… hotel occupancy is up at about 85%. That’s 18% more than this time last year. So it really does have a direct impact on the economics of the city”.
More trains and buses are running tonight to cope with the extra demand.
A fire this morning did shut down some train services, but they had resumed by lunchtime.
Where the transport system may get stretched is after the game, where train stations and bus stops could get clogged with people wanting to leave straight away.
The advice from officials is for people to take their time, and maybe go and have a drink or something to eat nearby.
Auckland Transport event planning lead Todd Hurley said: “Please be patient, stick around to join the atmosphere, soak it up.”
“Our teams will be work as hard as they possibly can to get you home as quickly and safely as possible.”
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