Hamilton set to welcome weekend All Blacks fixture and sell-out concert

The North Island city of Hamilton will be the focus of global entertainment and sport this weekend as it hosts two international rugby matches and a sell-out concert.

This Saturday (17th July) will see the All Blacks play their second test against the Fijians at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton, preceded by and Tonga playing Samoa in an Rugby World Cup WC 2023 Qualifying match.

Saturday night will then see New Zealand reggae band L.A.B concert perform at the 6000-seat Claudelands Arena for the third show of their winter tour – with the capacity concert having sold out within minutes.

Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate expects the economic impact of these events to be a welcome boost for the city, with visitors spending on shopping, accommodation, restaurants and taxis.

Advising that Hamilton will be “pumping” and she was hoping local businesses would feel the positive impact, Mayor Southgate stated “attendees at events like this inject a huge amount into the local economy. That’s great news for Hamilton, and particularly those businesses that get a real boost from visitors.

“But there is more to it than that. Hosting big international events also adds vibrancy and life to the city for those who live here. This weekend shows that, yet again, Hamilton is increasingly being seen as an events city.”

Hamilton H3 General Manager Venue Tourism and Major Events Sean Murray said events like this help shape a fun city with lots to do, adding “we want people to enjoy a night of great music and exciting rugby. By planning your night and looking out for your friends, we’re confident a big night for Hamilton can go off without a hitch.”

Fans with tickets to the rugby matches or the L.A.B concert can ride for free on any city or regional bus services operated by BusIt on Saturday. You can find bus timetables here.

Gates at FMG Stadium Waikato open at 3pm on Saturday, with Tonga vs Samoa kicking off at 4pm and All Blacks vs Fiji kicking off at 7.05pm.

Meanwhile, doors to the Claudelands Arena will open for the L.A.B concert at 6.30pm with the concert starting at 7pm.

In just five years, L.A.B has exploded onto New Zealand’s music scene with an eclectic mix of reggae, electronic, blues, and funk.

On Saturday, there will be road closures around Claudelands Event Centre and the area is expected to be busy.

Image: The All Blacks at FMG Stadium Waikato. Credit: Hamilton City Council.