"It will be a spectacular community event," North Otago Rugby Union chief executive Colin Jackson said yesterday.
"All we need is for the weather to play its part - we've been doing a lot of praying.
"Anyone who does not know there is a shield challenge on has been living in a cocoon."
However, it appeared shops in central Oamaru might not have got the message - there were no window displays or balloons flying yesterday although most had posters promoting the match.
Two service stations, one in north Oamaru and the other at Alma, had displays.
The union had yesterday pre-sold more than 1000 tickets and Mr Jackson is expecting a crowd of more than 3000 for the match against the shield holder.
"The walk-up crowd will depend on the weather," Mr Jackson said, with the forecast predicting brief rain this morning but a fine afternoon.
Last night the union had a "meet and greet" in Oamaru's historic Harbour St, with the Auckland and North Otago squads signing autographs.
A band played and a barbecue was open to anyone who wanted to attend.
The gates open at noon today, with the Waitaki Boys High School-St Kevins College Colts curtain-raiser kicking off at 12.15pm.
The shield challenge, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 1, kicks off at 2.05pm.
Half-time entertainment will be provided by the St Josephs School Dominican choir and kapa haka group.
Eleven companies plan to have corporate events for the challenge, providing their own entertainment to add to the atmosphere.
"We also hope to have a lot of children to foster junior rugby, with some schools planning to end the day an hour early," he said.
A special area would be set up under the scoreboard for school children.
North Otago's shield challenges date back to 1938, with the most recent a 24-85 loss to Canterbury in 2003.
