The sold out All Blacks and Black Ferns double header in Wellington tomorrow is the start to an action packed fortnight for the capital, with Ryan Reynold’s team Wrexham also coming to town the following week.
It’s a welcome boost for the hospitality sector which typically has a drop in customers as the colder winter months settle in.
The double-header will fill a stadium of 34,500 people, almost half coming from outside Wellington.
On July 19, Welsh-based football team Wrexham AFC will meet the Wellington Phoenix, bringing another round of sport enthusiasts to the region.
“People are turning up to see a performance they’ll be proud of and that’s our focus,” said All Blacks coach Scott Robertson.
Meanwhile, Sky Stadium chief executive Warrick Dent said people will make their way from Wellington’s CBD into town and back afterwards, which will benefit the city’s hospitality sector.
“[It’s] a really good experience for people and that’s what we’re here to do.”
French cafe La Cloche co-owner François Febvre said he has already had a visit from some homesick French rugby players.
“They were already missing some French danishes or French patisserie.
“In the hospitality industry we are all looking forward to having the All Blacks coming to play in Wellington of course, it’s bringing lots of people.”
Local pub Welsh Dragon is also prepping for big crowds to come in wanting a pint, especially with the Welsh club set to play next week.
“[It’s] a certain boost for winter months, it’s good for the economy, restaurant bars, it’s good to see all the fans coming in,” said general manager Hannah Williams.
“We’ve got a few Wrexham regulars that come in here so we’re excited for that game as well.”
Meanwhile, Wellington NZ chief executive Mark Oldershaw said it is “really nice to package two significant sporting events” in back-to-back weekends.
Plus, there’s speculation Hollywood A-lister Ryan Reynolds, who co-owns the Welsh football club, could make an appearance in the capital.
“They’ve got an international following,” Oldershaw added. “I know there’ll be international cameras here as well.”