The second Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens festival will set the tone for a fun-filled holiday period. The event, with its associated entertainment, will take place from Friday to Sunday at the Grey School campus.
The tournament is however about much more than just rugby and entertainment, says NMB Sevens marketing director Laurence Finn. “An estimated R21 million will be pumped directly into the local economy, including 7 200 bed nights for out-of-town spectators, media, organisers and participants.”
The second Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens festival will set the tone for a fun-filled holiday period. The event, with its associated entertainment, will take place from Friday to Sunday at the Grey School campus.
The tournament is however about much more than just rugby and entertainment, says NMB Sevens marketing director Laurence Finn. “An estimated R21 million will be pumped directly into the local economy, including 7 200 bed nights for out-of-town spectators, media, organisers and participants.”
He says the event, which cost R3,5 million to set up, is a superb marketing tool to promote Nelson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape and he commends the metro for their vision in backing it. “It will help to promote the metro as a tourist destination and, perhaps more importantly, demonstrate that the province is capable of hosting world-class events.
“The tournament is also an excellent platform for local and national businesses to market their products and services directly to the client. There is also huge branding and brand association potential.”
With international teams competing against top local sides, the tournament is expected to create huge media interest. “It will be broadcast live on SuperSport and a highlights package will be aired in several countries around the world, accounting for more than 80 hours of airtime,” says Finn.
International teams include the French Froggies, British Samurai, British Army and Tigers from the United States of America. The Emerging Springboks, University of the Free State, SA Rugby Legends, Eastern Province, Sharks and Lions top the local line-up.
Finn says they have tried to emulate the hugely successful business models developed by the Hong Kong and Dubai Sevens tournaments, incorporating other entertainment to reach a broader market.
An adventure zone with jumping castles, gladiator slides, a climbing wall, bungee jumping, quad bikes and pulse ranger laser games will keep youngsters and adrenaline junkies occupied.
“High-quality products and brands will be on display in the retail area and we have made a special effort to spoil the ladies with pampering skin and body treatments and products on offer,” says Finn.
Persons aged between 18 and 23 can enjoy the Puma Party in a huge marquee tent conveniently placed opposite the centre of the A-field. The first 300 ticket-holders in this age group to apply for a VIP pass will be granted entrance to this exclusive party.
In the evenings, top music artists and groups like Kurt Darren (see story on page…), Watershed, NKD and Dawnay will thrill competitors and spectators alike.
Finn says the NMB Sevens is just the first step in attaining their ultimate vision of bringing the International Rugby Board’s Sevens World Series to Nelson Mandela Bay on a five-year contract from 2009 and the World Cup in 2013.
Tickets are available from Computicket. A weekend pass of R150 for adults and R75 for children under 12 includes access to all the entertainment and the concerts.
For more information, visit www.nmbs.co.za or phone Laurence Finn at 084 507 3175.