The giant inflatable Rugby Ball was an unique venue and
destination experience designed to gain huge exposure for New
Zealand as the host of Rugby World Cup 2011. The Ball appeared in
Paris, London, Tokyo and Sydney, showcasing New Zealand to many
millions.
New Zealand's Giant Rugby Ball was a New Zealand Government
project led by Tourism New Zealand designed to maximise the
benefits to New Zealand of hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2011.
Appearing in some of our key visitor markets, it waspart of Tourism
New Zealand's strategy to raise awareness of New Zealand as the
host country of Rugby World Cup 2011 and encourage visitors
here.
In its international installations, by day the Ball was open to
the public, giving visitors a stunning audio-visual experience of
New Zealand, our heritage, landscapes, culture and tourism
offerings.
By night, the venue became a hub for New Zealand-hosted trade
and industry events, showcasing the best of New Zealand food, wine
and hospitality.
The Ball appeared in Paris, France (2007); London, England
(2008); Tokyo, Japan (2009); Sydney, Australia (2010) and Auckland,
New Zealand (2011).
Past Highlights
The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France - October 2007
New Zealand 's innovation and creativity were on display during
the final stages of the Rugby World Cup 2007 when the giant Rugby
Ball was installed in front of the Eiffel Tower in central Paris.
During the 15 days the Ball was open, an estimated world-wide
audience of 137 million readers, listeners and viewers were exposed
to media coverage of the Ball; over 25,000 passed through the
interior of the ball.
Potters Field, London, UK - November 2008
Timed to coincide with the All Blacks tour in the UK in November
2008, the Ball hosted the Queen, Prince Phillip, Mayor of London
Boris Johnson and New Zealand's newly-elected Prime Minister and
Minister of Tourism John Key. Over 7,500 people visited the Ball
during the week it was installed alongside London's iconic Tower
Bridge.
The Ball was the venue for numerous events including the
International Rugby Board's Rugby World Cup 2011 pool draw. Media
coverage reached an estimated 200 million people around the
world.
The Tokyo Tower, Tokyo, Japan - October 2009
Over 14,000 people visited the ball while it was in downtown
Tokyo. It also created a sensation in the Japanese media with
coverage on television, radio, in print and online reaching
millions of people.
Visits to Tourism New Zealand's Japanese website peaked on
Sunday 1 November, the day following the Bledisloe Cup match played
in Tokyo.
Circular Quay, Sydney, Australia - September 2010
The Giant Rugby Ball made its fourth and final international
appearance at Sydney's Circular Quay between 2 and 12 September. It
was placed alongside the Overseas Passenger Terminal, with views of
the iconic Sydney Opera House.
This appearance in Australia - New Zealand's largest tourism
market - was timed for the beginning of the one year to go
countdown to Rugby World Cup on 9 September, and the Bledisloe Cup
match played in Sydney on 11 September. It was a record-breaking
appearance that surpassed expectations, with 26,670 people passing
through during the 10 days it was open.