Clarke Quay is official after party partner for HSBC Rugby Sevens
Party the night away at Clarke Quay during the HSBC World Rugby Singapore Sevens
In a move that will rival other high-profile sporting events held here, Rugby Singapore yesterday unveiled Clarke Quay as the official after party partner of the HSBC World Rugby Singapore Sevens on April 16 and 17.
From 7pm onwards, the nightlife district will host a music festival from April 15 to 17 at the Fountain Square, featuring resident bands and other local music acts such as Slingshot, 10.Seconds and N-A-T-1-O-N.
At least 15 outlets in Clarke Quay, including American restaurant Hooters and Japanese eatery Tomo Izakaya, will offer ticket holders Sevens-themed food and beverage discounts.
While the collaboration with Clarke Quay aims to provide spectators with a full matchday experience, it will also bring Rugby 7s to the masses, said Rugby Singapore chairman Low Teo Ping.
"This event is not just about those who are hardcore rugby enthusiasts, it is also about being able to participate beyond what you see on the rugby field," he said, at the announcement event held at McGettigan's in Clarke Quay.
"With that kind of memory that we are going to create in our first year, it's going to bring back more people the following years."
Earlier this year, Rugby Singapore and the Sports Hub unveiled a partnership to host the Singapore leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series over the next four years.
"You could ask the same of the (Singapore Grand Prix) F1 concert, or the WTA (Women's Tennis Association Finals), but we are stretching it even further," Low added.
"That's the only way in which then, you really can make Singapore appreciated, admired and really be very much part of that whole city that is much more than what it is otherwise."
Besides the post-match programme, a host of entertainment activities are also lined up at the Sports Hub.
After the matches on April 16, acclaimed British DJ Pete Tong will perform a set at the National Stadium.
There will also be a family-friendly carnival set up around the venue.
And to make it convenient for spectators to move to Clarke Quay after matches on both days, the Sports Hub will provide ticket-holders with a complimentary one-way shuttle service from the stadium.
CREATE A BUZZ
A fleet of 20 buses will leave at 9pm, with seats available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Former national rugby player Paul Foster, who retired six years ago, said the tie-up with Clarke Quay can elevate Singapore above other successful Rugby 7s hosts, like Hong Kong.
"We want to have that ethos that we are family-friendly, yet people can come down dressed up in costumes and have fun," said the 35-year-old.
"We all know we're going for the rugby, but we want to create more of a buzz. And the only people who can do that are the supporters themselves."
The cheapest adult ticket for the HSBC World Rugby Singapore Sevens is priced at $50 and Low said sales have been brisk.
"We are definitely seeing a whole upsurge at the moment and we're confident it will hit certain benchmarks that we have set for ourselves," he said.
"If you really look at what we're doing, I believe that we will eventually be one of the greatest venues for the Rugby 7s."
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