A number of streets will be closed in Tauranga's central business district this Sunday as rugby fans gather for a one-of-a-kind experience when the Bay of Plenty Steamers take on the Waikato Mooloos at Tauranga Domain.

Supporters from both teams are invited to head into town early before the ITM Cup match, to grab some lunch and enjoy performances and entertainment in the ‘fan zones' on Wharf Street and The Strand from 11am to 2.30pm.

A number of road closures will affect traffic coming in and out of the CBD on Sunday. Photo: File.

Pip Loader, city events manager at Tauranga City Council, says there will be more cars and foot traffic in the CBD, as well as a few road closures.

'These closures are to provide a safe environment for rugby supporters and the general public,” says Pip, 'and we encourage people to come into town by sharing a ride or taking the bus.

'Parking is always free on Sundays in the CBD, and both the Elizabeth Street and Spring Street car park buildings will be open for free parking from 9am to 9pm.”

Tickets for the big game are available from the Baycourt box office or via: www.ticketek.co.nz.

If there are any tickets left to sell on the day of the game, they will be only available from Baycourt, which will be open from 10am to 3pm. Tickets won't be available at the Tauranga Domain gates on the day of the match.

BOP Rugby Union sales and relationships manager Craig Wilson says tickets are selling fast, and he urges fans to make sure they don't miss out.

'The main grandstand is virtually sold out, and with other areas following the same path,” confirms Craig. 'People are urged to not delay getting their tickets until Sunday.”

Road closures on Sunday include:

• Cameron Road (between Hamilton and Brown Streets), Park Street, Monmouth Street, McLean Street (between Cameron Road and Willow Street), Harrington Street (between Cameron Road and Durham Street), Hamilton Street (the section from Cameron Road adjacent to Wharepai Domain) and Chapel Street/Brown Street intersection (Cameron Road to Brown Street), from 11.30am – 5.30pm
• The Strand (between Harrington Street and Devonport Road), Wharf and Hamilton Streets (between Willow Street and The Strand), from 10am – 3.30pm
• Residents will be able to access houses and/or their place of business, but there will be no access via Cameron Road (unless you live on Hamilton Street). Vehicle access may be restricted if there is a high volume of foot traffic.

Fans in Town is a partnership between Tauranga City Council, Bay of Plenty Rugby and Downtown Tauranga, to encourage rugby fans to enjoy a whole day of dining and entertainment, before and after the match.

The Waterfront Hospitality Partners, which is made up of the majority of hospitality business in and around The Strand, will be taking part in the organised festivities.

Bring your ticket to participating waterfront outlets for game offers, giveaways and activities.

For more information on the game, entertainment and tickets, visit: www.tauranga.govt.nz/ITMCup