Pace Yourself with a Drinks Break at the NZI Sevens
With less than two weeks to go until the 2011 NZI Sevens, fans are being reminded to pace themselves during the tournament. As responsible hosts, this is one of the key messages for supporters to take on board at this year’s event. Extra measures identified by the tournament organisers, Police and Westpac Stadium will be implemented to ensure all ticket holders have a safe and enjoyable time.
NZI Sevens General Manager, Steve Walters, said “Some people may think we’re the fun police, but our aim’s the exact opposite. We want everyone to have fun and be safe at the same time. The NZI Sevens is renowned as the country’s biggest sports and entertainment event and we want our fans to be in the party, not out of it.”
One new policy in place for 2011 is that anyone caught trying to smuggle alcohol into Westpac Stadium will have their ticket confiscated and will be denied entry into the tournament. Bringing in alcohol is a breach of the ticket’s terms and conditions of entry.
Security staff will remind ticket holders as soon as they reach the Fran Wilde Walkway that the city liquor ban is in place and fans will need to dispose of all alcohol immediately. No alcohol is allowed to be consumed in public areas of the city or on the Fran Wilde Walkway and ticket holders face being denied entry into the tournament if they are caught with alcohol.
Wellington Police Senior Sergeant Simon Feltham, Sevens Operation Commander, says Police want those heading to the Sevens to drink responsibly and look after their mates.
"We want everyone at the Stadium to be able to remember the 2011 NZI Sevens for all the right reasons. This means drinking plenty of water in between alcoholic drinks and encouraging your mates to do the same."
Two other steps have also been announced. Only empty water bottles, up to one litre in size, will be allowed through the turnstiles. Mr Walters added, “We know how people smuggle in alcohol and this has a major impact on how people behave at the tournament. There will be eight free water stations available over both tournament days, as well as the NZI Sevens waterboys being out and about offering fans free, chilled water. Spectators need to pace themselves over the event and it’s ok to take a drinks break to stay match fit for a fun-filled two days.”
Westpac Stadium Chief Executive, David Gray, said “Also, no pass outs will be allowed after 6pm to help prevent intoxicated fans re-entering Westpac Stadium”
It is the event’s aim to deliver an enjoyable environment that gives fans the opportunity to soak up world class rugby sevens action and entertainment for almost 20 hours over two days.
Check it out on One News last night http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/tough-stance-taken-sevens-alcohol-smugglers-4007256/video
