An all-day festival comprising family entertainment and hospitality is planned for next month's Super 14 clash between the Highlanders and Australia's Western Force at the Queenstown Events Centre.
Lakes Leisure Events manager Karen Gemmell said this year's game was shaping up to be the best yet.
"This is our third time holding a full season Super 14 match at the Events Centre.
"It is great to be able to host a day game and combine it with unique aspects of Queenstown.
"Because of the televised structure of the Super 14 competition, games held in full daylight are rare and so we've taken the opportunity to create a real celebration that is accessible to all members of the community.
"There is entertainment for families, adults, rugby lovers and those that are happier kicking back in the Travelling Goodbar."
Queenstown singers the Sequin Sisters would add some "pre-match sparkle", while family-zone ticket holders would have exclusive use of Alpine Aqualand's pools and slides in a special More FM post-match pool party from 4pm.
The Travelling Goodbar would also be in full swing throughout the day, while the impressive Nation Bar, recently seen at the Golf Open, would be set up on site aptly renamed Lineout Bar for the occasion.
After the game, it would be the place to catch post-match analysis from Southland Rugby coaches David Henderson and Simon Culhane over a drink and gourmet barbecue.
Booking was essential, Ms Gemmell said.
In a community-led initiative, patron packs, developed to support junior rugby, were selling well.
"This is the only chance to catch live Super 14 in action in Central Otago this season," Ms Gemmell said.
"There's nothing quite like being amongst the crowd watching international rugby under the shadow of the Remarkables."
Ms Gemmell advised people to arrive early on the day and stay on to enjoy either the special match-day hospitality courtesy of Good Group or the More FM Pool Party.
"Thousands of rugby fans will descend on Queenstown Events Centre for the 2.30pm kick off, including dozens of coaches already booked to carry fans from all of Central Otago.
"We have a six-point travel plan to minimise congestion around the ground, but really we advise people to beat the queues by making a day of it."
Gates would open at 11.30am for the Central Otago premier rugby clash between Wakatipu and Upper Clutha, from Wanaka, at noon.
Future stars would then take to centre field during a rippa rugby game before the main event began.
Ticket sales were already ahead of expectations at more than 1200 to date.
Tickets cost $30 for adult general admission and $10 for child general admission.
Family packages are priced at $65 (two adults and two children).
All ticket service fees are included in the price.
For full details of match-day activities, ticket information and Lakes Leisure's six-point travel plan, visit www.lakesleisure.co.nz
