Free live music and pre-match entertainment will be up for grabs ahead of the Bay of Plenty Steamers' match against Taranaki in the Mitre 10 Cup match at Tauranga Domain on August 20.

Tauranga City Council's Fans in Town initiative gives supporters from both teams the chance to enjoy performances and entertainment at Masonic Park from 11am to 2pm, with the match kicking off at 2.35pm.

The Steamers, pictured here in action last year, are preparing to take on Taranaki on August 20. Photo: Rick Moran.

Rugby fans are being invited to soak up the atmosphere, get their face painted in their team's colours and enjoy entertainment from Circus in a Flash, Fuse Street Drummers as well as funk and blues band Ahjeez.

Mayor Stuart Crosby says council is proud to be involved in bringing back rugby matches to the Tauranga Domain.

'Last year's success attracting a 5000-strong crowd to the ITM Cup match has proven that the Tauranga Domain is an outstanding downtown facility and ideally located to make the most of the day for families and friends in Tauranga's CBD,” he says.

'I encourage everyone to get into the spirit of rugby. Come into town early, get together with friends and fans, enjoy the Fans in Town entertainment at Masonic Park, have a bite to eat, and show your support by joining the fans at the game.

'It'll be a fantastic winter day out for everyone.”

Strategic Events manager Pip Loader believes events like the Mitre 10 Cup match and the Fans in Town entertainment showcases Tauranga's vibrancy, especially during the colder winter months.

She says the rugby, council's entertainment at Masonic Park and the CBD restaurants all combined will create a real buzz in town.

'We know the fans will enjoy soaking up the atmosphere. We appreciate that Tauranga's hospitality industry is highly involved and motivated to create an all-day fan experience in downtown Tauranga,” says Pip.

Fans in Town is a partnership between council, Bay of Plenty Rugby, Downtown Tauranga and the majority of hospitality businesses in and around The Strand.

These businesses will be taking part in the organised festivities by offering deals, giveaways and activities to make the day a memorable one for families, fans and supporters.

Tickets for the match are available from www.boprugby.co.nz, ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.co.nz and at the gate. Ticket cost $20 for adults and $5 for children 14 and under.

For more information on the game, entertainment, road closures, parking, transport and tickets visit: www.mytauranga.co.nz/rugby