SA Rugby and Absa have joined forces to stage the popular rugby fan park, Boktown, during the 2007 international rugby season. The concept promises to be a special place where Springbok fans will be able to demonstrate their support for the national team in a unique atmosphere.
On Saturday rugby fans will be treated to a real feast of entertainment when the official opening of Boktown takes place at Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein, where South Africa and England will clash in the first of two Tests.
SuperSport will show the opening live from 5.15pm to 6pm, ensuring rugby fans across the country share in the festivities. The sports channel will also use the opportunity to launch their broadcasting plans for the upcoming season from a specially designed studio located inside Boktown.
Absa is the official banking sponsor to SA Rugby and the Springbok rugby team.
The popular fan-park concept was first tried in Perth during the 2003 Rugby World Cup tournament as a fan base for Springbok supporters.
Last year SA Rugby introduced it to local fans in Johannesburg and Durban during the end-of-year tour of the Springboks to Ireland and England.
The positive response by fans prompted SA Rugby to expand the concept in 2007, especially with the Rugby World Cup tournament in mind.
Mzamo Xala, brand manager for the Springboks, welcomed Absa on board as the official sponsor and urged Springbok fans to show their true colours and to support Boktown in their local area.
Boktown events: May 26, official launch in Bloemfontein; June 2 Soweto Rugby Club, Johannesburg; June 16 SuperSport Park, Centurion; June 23 Sun Coast Casino, Durban. — Sapa