All roads lead to Yarrow Stadium tonight.
In an historic match, the All Blacks play Ireland at 7.35pm – the first time Taranaki has hosted a test between two of the world's traditional top rugby nations.
More than 25,000 people are expected to pack the park, with less than 1900 ground admission tickets still on sale.
New Plymouth is ready for a party on a scale seldom, if ever, seen before.
The big tent is up outside Peggy Gordon's and with live entertainment on again, tonight will be popular with many. But the choices are plentiful with many bars planning special promotions.
Accommodation is at a premium, with New Plymouth booked out. Taranaki Motel Association president Deborah Tawa said there wasn't a spare motel room in New Plymouth tonight.
Yesterday the nearest available accommodation was in Stratford with about half a dozen rooms left, with another 20 units in Hawera, Mrs Tawa said.
"We're full and it's fantastic for the region. It puts us on show for next year and proves we can host a big game."
Taranaki Rugby Football Union chairman Peter Crawford described the occasion as "magnificent".
"I've been involved in Taranaki rugby for 21 years and in all that time the only thing that would rival it is the 1996 Ranfurly Shield games.
"But to get both the Irish and All Black teams here is great. If anyone had have suggested even five years ago that this could happen they'd have been laughed at.
"It's magnificent for a small province like this, for rugby and the region should feel incredibly proud."
During the week the build-up has becoming increasingly intense on and off the field, with the All Blacks proving popular as they have immersed themselves in school visits and making themselves accessible to thousands of fans.
After their arrival last Sunday, they've been the only team in town until Thursday night, when the Irish contingent belatedly arrived.
Since then, they, too have joined in the the fun and yesterday five players dropped into Fitzroy primary School, much to the delight of the pupils.
The rugby flavour is everywhere, and while some emerald green is being displayed, the dominant colour is black with many New Plymouth CBD retailers having special displays in their windows.
Spectators at tonight's match will notice some new conditions of entry, putting New Plymouth on the same footing as conditions required for next year's Rugby World Cup.
Smoking is prohibited in all internal areas, and intoxicated patrons or those under the influence will be refused entry.
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That prompted New Plymouth police to issue a friendly reminder of what was expected.
About 40 police will be at the ground, as part of a wider presence in the city as well for the evening.
Acting New Plymouth area commander Blair Telford said patrons must drink responsibly, as they will do their part to help ensure more test matches are played in New Plymouth in future.
"It's good for people, it's good for New Plymouth, good for everybody having the All Blacks here."
He encouraged people to get to the ground early, as all bags will be searched as part of the new rules.
The weather forecast for today is not good, with squally showers, thunder and strong westerlies, although it should clear for the game.
And be warned – umbrellas are not allowed.
Taranaki Daily News
Last updated 05:00 12/06/2010
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