Fast and furious men's hockey at is finest rips into action tonight, as the Black Sticks and Japan do battle in the first of three tests at an upgraded Tauranga Hockey Centre.

The test series played today, Thursday and Saturday between the sixth-ranked Black Sticks and 14th-ranked Japanese is seen as part of the Kiwis build-up to the 2014 World Cup in May.

Black Sticks player Andy Hayward. Photos by Tracy Hardy.

It also gives the Tauranga Hockey Association the chance to showcase significant upgrades it has made to its Blake Park facilities, including new world-class turfs and improved lighting.

Tauranga Hockey Association general manager Clyde du Toit is thrilled the test matches are in town, claiming there is a high level of excitement and hype surrounding the games.

'It's really exciting and both teams have been training here since Monday. It's just been great to have them in town, and they have enjoyed the weather and facilities,” says Clyde.

And with both sides giving the blue turf a thorough inspection leading up to the matches, training several times in the last three days, Clyde is pleased with the glowing world class feedback.

'Some of the comments were it [the turf] is just playing really well, it's nice and fast and the players are looking forward to a good game tonight.

'Men's hockey is incredibly fast with how hard the guys hit and the speed the ball goes across the surface.”

Three young hockey fans are also getting the opportunity to join in the formalities, after winning the right to be official flag bearers.

For the last two weeks an online auction has been running for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity three spots, with all proceeds go to Tauranga Hockey Association for future development of hockey in the community.

Heading into tonight's opening match, Clyde is optimistic a strong crowd will turn up to start the series but adds there is plenty of room for more supporters.

'It's nice and hot out there and the players will certainly enjoy it, but we need the spectators to come down and support their team.”

Tonight's and Thursday's matches begin at 7pm, and this Saturday, March 15, from 2pm. The gates will be open three hours beforehand for a curtain raiser.