The special atmosphere generated at a major sevens tournament is set to captivate spectators at Tauranga Domain this weekend at the TECT National Sevens

The two-day tournament kicks off on Saturday with the best 16 men's and 12 women's provincial teams contesting the iconic event first played for in 1975.

After five years hosted in Rotorua it is now Tauranga's opportunity to prove to NZ Rugby that this city is the ideal venue.

Bay of Plenty Rugby has signed a three-year deal to host the tournament in Tauranga with all the portents looking good for a successful tenure.

Bay of Plenty Rugby's Strategic Partnerships and Special Projects Manager, David Pearce, is in charge of ensuring the massive operation is a success, both on and off the field.

'We are super excited to have the tournament here in Tauranga. We believe it needed a refresh after five great years in Rotorua and we wanted to try a different time frame as well,” he says.

'It has formerly been in mid-January but we wanted it for mid-December as we could not accommodate all the teams in mid-January. The new date suits players, it suits staff and we hope spectators as well.

'We have been appointed to run the tournament here for three years and if we do those years really well we get it for another two years. I think it is a big endorsement of the success of the team here in running tournaments.

'We are set up for a great weekend.”

There is plenty on offer at Tauranga Domain. Apart from the 78 games of sevens, there is a wide range of food vendors, Big Little Markets, a free giant water slide, free petting zoo and face painting, and Santa's Grotto with giveaway prizes.

All Blacks Sevens and Black Ferns Sevens players will be signing autographs and available for selfies over the weekend.

Tickets are set at family-friendly prices with daily and season passes available.

David says it is very important the community supports the event.

'Regardless of whether people are into rugby or not, they can come along and have a great time. We just want to do a few things differently and have a whole lot of fun with the tournament.

'We wanted to make use of the wonderful space we have there at the Tauranga Domain. It has been a real focus on a festive, family-orientated weekend.”

Bay of Plenty have never won either a men's or women's national sevens title.

With new coaches in Sean Horan (men) and Rodney Gibbs (women), hopes are high that this could be the Bay's year.

'It is quite remarkable for a province like ours not to have won the men's or women's titles. We will set them the best environment possible and will certainly be cheering as loud as anyone for our teams to win on the field,” David says.

Information: www.nationalsevens.co.nz

By The Numbers

TECT National Sevens

28 teams (16 men, 12 women)

16 hours live SKY TV coverage

55 referees

2774 meals teams, volunteers, referees

56 mini vans

30 volunteers

28 ball boys/girls

30 market holders