Fans right across South Australia are getting ready to roar for Saturday's historic match between the British & Irish Lions and the AUNZ Invitational XV at Adelaide Oval.
The Lions will play against Australia and New Zealand, who are teaming up for the first time since 1989 and will be coached by incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss.
It will be the first time the Lions - who tour Australia every 12 years - have played in Adelaide since 1888.
About 15,000 interstate and overseas visitors are flying into South Australia for the match, with an additional 28 domestic flights operating at Adelaide Airport this week compared to last week.
As of June 30, hotel occupancy across metropolitan Adelaide for Friday 11 and Saturday 12 July is at 82 and 88 per cent respectively.
Venues across the CBD and Glenelg can operate longer on Saturday with extended short-term liquor licences available, allowing fans to enjoy the match televised live at a local bar or restaurant.
Some venues getting ready to roar over the weekend include:
- The Lion Hotel: British inspired food and drink specials.
- The Strathmore Hotel: electric atmosphere from first drinks to late-night celebrations with pints of Guinness, local wines, hearty pub classics and the famous Stonegrill.
- Station Road: Pre-Scrum Rugby Bar on the Festival Plaza featuring The Guinness Bar.
- The Original Coopers Alehouse: Rugby LIVE & LOUD on the big screens in the Alehouse Bar with drink specials.
- Ruby Weekend Special at Wine Bar: delicious pre- or post-match meal special at Wined Bar, in the National Wine Centre of Australia.
- The Collins Bar: kick things off with live music Friday night and enjoy special beer and food combos all weekend.
- 2KW Bar and Restaurant: curated menu by Executive Chef Sam Christopher, showcasing SA’s finest produce through share-style dishes, international and local wine list, and enjoy causal bar snacks and meals on the Terrace.
- Market & Meander: Feed me to the Lions two course Feed Me Menu.
For details of these events and others happening in your local area, fans are encouraged to contact venues directly.
Free travel will be available on all Adelaide Metro bus, train, and tram services for anyone with a valid match day ticket. Visit www.adelaidemetro.com.au (external site) to plan your trip with Adelaide Metro’s journey planner.
In addition to the match, the rugby festival offers a golf day with Wallabies and Lions legends at Kooyonga, a business networking event at SOL Rooftop, darts tournament featuring Simon ‘The Wizard’ Whitlock at the Hindley Street Music Hall, and a free outdoor live site at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
AUNZ XV vs British & Irish Lions kicks off at Adelaide Oval on Saturday 12 July at 7.15pm.
Final tickets available at Ticketek (external site).
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