New Zealand’s giant rugby ball comes to Sydney
Sydney has been selected as the final international city to market the 2012 New Zealand Rugby World Cup.
The announcement:
Tourism New Zealand today announced that Sydney’s iconic Circular Quay has been chosen as the fourth and final overseas destination to host Tourism New Zealand’s key marketing vehicle – the Giant Rugby Ball from 2 – 12 September, 2010.
The Giant Rugby Ball is a New Zealand
Government project led by Tourism New Zealand to raise awareness of New Zealand as host country of the Rugby World Cup in 2011, as well as showcasing the country’s key offerings to encourage people to visit.
A key component of Tourism New Zealand’s global Rugby World Cup 2011 marketing investment and strategy, the Ball was conceptualised by Tourism New Zealand and its marketing partners for use in key rugby and tourism markets.
The global tour kicked off during the Rugby World Cup 2007, appearing next to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, before moving to London in 2008. Installed near the Tower Bridge, the venue hosted the IRB RWC 2011 Team Pool selection announcement. The most recent appearance of the Ball, marked the first ever Bledisloe Match held in Tokyo. The Ball’s international tour will culminate in Sydney in September to launch the one year countdown to New Zealand’s biggest ever event – the Rugby World Cup 2011.
Measuring 25 metres long, 17 metres high and 13 metres wide, the Ball is a state of the art venue which takes five days to construct and fits 220 people inside. Awarded Gold in the Design Institute of New Zealand’s BeST Design Awards in 2008, the Ball has received international accolades for its exceptional design.
During the day the Ball acts as a platform to communicate New Zealand’s key tourism offerings through a free stunning 360 degree multi-media experience integrated with live performers. As a night venue the Ball plays host to trade and industry events showcasing the best of New Zealand food, wine and hospitality.
Tourism New Zealand CEO Kevin Bowler said the Ball provides an unprecedented opportunity to market New Zealand to the rest of the world.
“Through media coverage of the Giant Rugby Ball, New Zealand has already been exposed to an estimated audience of 300 million people from around the world with more than 40,000 people having physically experienced the captivating tour of New Zealand’s heritage, landscapes and culture.
We are expecting up to 18,000 Sydney-siders and tourists to visit the Giant Rugby Ball when it’s at Circular Quay in September. This will create excitement about New Zealand and encourage people to visit now, as well as during the approaching Rugby World Cup 2011.” Mr Bowler said.
The Giant Rugby Ball is a unique and exciting attraction for Sydney – following the iconic locations it has already appeared in.
The event is expected to draw substantial international attention to Sydney and its iconic landmarks.
ABOUT TOURISM NEW ZEALAND’S GIANT RUGBY BALL:
The Giant Rugby Ball will be open to the public from 3 -12 September. Public are able to visit the ball from mid-morning daily for free – check the website for opening time and festival details (www.newzealand.com/giantrugbyball). Tours run every half hour on the hour and visitors can pre-book for priority queuing at www.newzealand.com/giantrugbyball.
The Rugby World Cup is one of the world’s largest events after the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup and will attract an estimated television and online audience of 4 billion people around the world, as well as an estimated 21,000 Australian visitors to the tournament in New Zealand.
Source: Tourism New Zealand press release
Sydney selected as latest iconic city to market New Zealand
