7 replies to this topic

[KiwiPie]

I've just noticed this. The final game of the Bay season on 28 September is against Wellington - but has been switched from Baypark to Rotorua since I first put the schedule up online. Anyone hear the reasoning behind this? I'm sure it has been in the BOP Times but I have been away a lot.

[BartMan]

Rotorua sub union 'bought' the game.

Sucks I reckon - first shield defence in Rotorua...  :coolsmiley:

[Wise Guy]

Believe this hit the reputable media at the end of May.....Daily Ghost picked it up from memory but that was all

News Release
May 30, 2007


Steamers home game schedule includes additional match in Rotorua

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union has today announced that the schedule for the 2007 Air New Zealand Cup has been finalised with an additional match now to be played in Rotorua.
The match against the Wellington Lions, set down for 28 September, which was originally scheduled for Blue Chip Stadium Mount Maunganui, will now be played at the Rotorua International Stadium.
“Bay of Plenty as a region offers the unique ability to host games in two excellent facilities. Whilst Blue Chip Stadium is the home of the Steamers and will continue to remain so for the forseeable future it is critical to our rugby stakeholders that we retain the ability to host games throughout the region” commented Paul Abbot Chief Executive. “In the 2007 season the Steamers will play pre season matches in Whakatane and Rotorua in addition to three Air New Zealand Cup matches in Tauranga and two matches in Rotorua. Part of our strategy this season is to take the Steamers to the people with accessibility to matches and players being critical.
The Rotorua District Council is supporting the Bay Union to facilitate the game being held at the International Stadium and will be using their resources to support the marketing activity and logistical requirements required to ensure the success of a match of this stature.
Rotorua District Council Chief Executive Peter Guerin welcomed the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union’s decision. “This is a much bigger fixture than we have been allocated in recent seasons and is consistent with the Council’s endeavours to attract major events to our city. Our rugby supporters have always supported major rugby matches and we are sure they will do so this time as well. Rugby is important to the social fabric of Rotorua and this game will also serve to boost interest in the sport in our city”
After the success of the Bay of Plenty Lions match in 2005 the Wellington match offers the next stage in positioning the region for the all important tender process for the 2011 Rugby World Cup match hosting process. With this process commencing now and due to be complete early 2008 it is vital that the Bay region is able to demonstrate the facilities and commitment required to prepare a suitably convincing proposal to host matches and/or teams within the region. “We will only get one chance to put our best foot forward for this great event and to ensure the region receives our share of pool matches in 2011” commented Abbot, “In addition to the Rugby World Cup in 2011 that year also marks our Centenary Year and we want to ensure that we do everything in our power to make sure the Bay rugby public have a real reason to celebrate.”

The Steamers Home Match schedule for 2007 in the Air New Zealand Cup campaign is as follows:
Fri 6 July 3.00pm Bay of Plenty v Manawatu (pre Season) Rugby Park Whakatane
Fri 20 July 6.30pm Bay of Plenty v Waikato (pre Season) Rotorua Intl Stadium Rotorua
Fri 3 Aug 7.35pm Bay of Plenty v Auckland Blue Chip Stadium Mt Maunganui
Thurs 9 Aug 7.05pm Bay of Plenty v Northland Rotorua Intl Stadium Rotorua
Sat 25 Aug 2.35pm Bay of Plenty v Otago Blue Chip Stadium Mt Maunganui
Sun 16 Sept 2.35pm Bay of Plenty v Southland Blue Chip Stadium Mt Maunganui
Fri 28 Sept 7.35pm Bay of Plenty v Wellington Rotorua Intl Stadium Rotorua



END
For further information contact: Paul Abbot 021 776 009 or email paul.abbot@boprugby.co.nz

[sportboy]

I like Bart's explanation better... bring back Jim Smyllie I say!

Bring him and his dog back so we can feed them to the sharks off Leisure Island...

[KiwiPie]

Or to paraphrase our CEO ...

"No way we will get a World Cup game in Tauranga in 2011, so we better start showing off Rotorua."

[Wise Guy]

or we get real greedy and get games in both places......perhaps Whakatane could stage a late charge for accreditation as well. Manawatu boys appeared happy and the Romanian team would probably love the hangi.
Jim Smylie would be happy to open his cheque book as well for that worthy cause

[Donsteppa]

Does Jim Smylie still have a cheque book...

Sodding Thursday night games and living in Hamilfog.

[sportboy]

Nearly time to dust off the plans for the Paengaroa Super Stadium.

Or else Bedford Park in Matamata...