The Bay of Plenty Steamers are urging supporters to get behind the team as they return home to Tauranga Domain for a crucial Battle of the Bays against Hawke’s Bay on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 2.05pm, with plenty on the line as the Steamers look to reignite their NPC playoff hopes and defend the Macrae Shelford Bay Cup.

The home side will be hungry for a response after a disappointing run of results, including last Sunday's 43-12 defeat to Southland. With just four rounds remaining in the 2026 NPC regular season, Bay of Plenty sits outside the playoff positions and faces a stern challenge against competition leaders Hawke’s Bay, whose only defeat this season came earlier in the campaign.

Bay of Plenty Rugby will also be hoping for another strong turnout at Tauranga Domain after supporters turned out in force for the Steamers' recent home fixture against Manawatū.

Although the Steamers were unable to reward fans with victory in that match, going down 29-12, the atmosphere reinforced the value of playing provincial rugby at the historic venue.

A venue steeped in history

Tauranga Domain has been at the heart of the city's sporting life for more than 150 years.

The site was established as a public reserve in 1873 after local residents petitioned for a park in the growing settlement. By 1888, a cricket pitch was operating on the grounds, while football and cricket pavilions followed during the 1890s. Other sports including tennis, bowls, croquet, athletics and hockey also found a home there.

From the 1920s, Tauranga Domain became the headquarters of the Tauranga Rugby Union and developed into one of the region's most important sporting venues.

One of its most memorable moments came in 1971 when the touring British Lions faced Bay of Plenty before a crowd estimated at around 20,000 spectators. Despite being heavy underdogs, the Bay pushed the tourists all the way before eventually going down 20-14.

Back where they belong

After several attempts to establish a standalone rugby stadium in the Western Bay, the Steamers spent a period playing at Baypark Speedway before returning to Tauranga Domain in 2016.

While Baypark produced memorable moments, including two successful Ranfurly Shield defences in 2004, many supporters felt the venue left spectators too far from the action.

The move back to Tauranga Domain has helped restore the intimate atmosphere that has long been a feature of provincial rugby.

At a time when NPC matches often struggle to fill larger stadiums around the country, Tauranga Domain continues to provide a fitting home for the Steamers and a close-up experience for supporters.

Now, with the playoffs within reach but far from guaranteed, Bay of Plenty needs all the support it can get.

The challenge begins against Hawke’s Bay this weekend before another home fixture against Tasman the following week.

For Steamers fans, the message is simple: get to Tauranga Domain and get behind the blue and gold.

-Additional reporting by Sideline Sid.