Organisers are expecting about 1000 people to be courtside for the first game of the Davis Cup at TECT Arena at Baypark this afternoon.

Waikato-Bay of Plenty Tennis CEO Leslie Wilkinson says while she hasn't had final figures yet, she anticipates a large crowd.

Mark Slane lays the temporary tennis surface at the TECT Arena at Baypark.

'We will be really pleased if it's up around that because it's good for the Davis Cup because it's going to be a difficult tie.”

She says preparations for the event have gone smoothly.

Lines people are being picked up from the airport and players are warming up for the first singles match at 3pm.

'As far as the court is concerned, all players are really happy with the surface and the arena and the whole set up. We haven't had any complaints from that department.”

Doubles matches start on Saturday at 3pm, with reserve doubles on at 11am on Sunday.