Monsters, face painting and cheerleaders
HIGH-OCTANE rugby is not the only reason that 115,000-plus fans are set to flock to Twickenham for the climax to the HSBC Sevens World Series – there is also a host of off-field entertainment that contributes to the family-friendly carnival atmosphere.
DRESS UP
Fancy dress is a key component of the Marriott London Sevens experience – 12 months ago it was safari – and this year’s theme is monsters, so expect morph suits, ghoulish face paint and more innocent fare such as banana costumes.
FAMILY FUN
The off-field entertainment includes a performance from the cheerleaders for NFL team the Jacksonville Jaguars, while outside the stadium, in the RFU’s West Fan Village, is Monsterville, which boasts a child activity zone with inflatables, rugby skill challenges and face-painting.
AUGMENTED REALITY
Sponsors Heathrow Express, HSBC and Maximuscle also have fan zones, with the foyer outside the former’s VIP area featuring an augmented reality experience where fans can dance with 3D monster avatars of England Sevens players, including skipper Tom Mitchell.
WIN A TRIP TO VEGAS
Opposing stands will race vast inflatable rugby balls down each side of the stadium, while those who fancy a seven-night stay for two at the Marriott Las Vegas with tickets to the US city’s Sevens tournament next year can enter via the Heathrow Express rugby Twitter feed, @hexrugby.
TAKE TO THE FIELD
Several lucky fans will be picked to walk on to the hallowed turf to help display a giant 10m-by-10m England Sevens shirt, while the biggest laugh of the weekend often comes from the fan goal-kicking competitions during the intervals.