An artists impression of the newly built Eden Park.

The opening ceremony for this years Rugby World Cup is said to be "A night to remember" by RWC organisers.


It will take place for half an hour prior to the opening game of the tournament between New Zealand and Tonga at the newly built Eden Park stadium. The ceremony is expected to gain around 50 million television viewers.


The opening match and ceremony will take place on Friday 9th September and the following day England will start their world cup campaign against Argentina.

Martin Snedden, chief executive of the tournament's organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011 assured fans a fantastic event.

"We promise all fans, at Eden Park, and those watching from afar, a night to remember. It is the perfect double bill - a spectacular Opening Ceremony, the likes of which New Zealand sports fans will not have experienced in this country, coupled with two great Pacific nations kicking off Rugby's showpiece Tournament."

Local fans or fans planning to travel to New Zealand can still get their hands on tickets to the opening ceremony as their are still around 4,000 tickets available.

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