There'll be plenty of action both on and off the field when the mighty Bay of Plenty Steamers' take on Taranaki in their Mitre 10 Cup match at Tauranga Domain tomorrow afternoon.

After its successful debut last year, Tauranga City Council's Fans in Town initiative is back with more free live music and pre-match entertainment at Masonic Park from 11am to 2pm on August 20, ahead of the big game's 2.35pm kick off.

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, which are offering deals, giveaways and festive activities on the day.

So head on down to the CBD tomorrow, soak up the atmosphere, get your face painted in your team's colours and enjoy entertainment from Circus in a Flash, Fuse Street Drummers as well as funk and blues band Ahjeez, says Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby.

'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,” says Stuart.

'Last year's success in 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.”

Bay of Plenty Rugby chief executive Mike Rogers says it was a no-brainer for the union to return to the Tauranga Domain again following last year's success.

Mike says the union's especially excited to be providing different opportunities and activities for the community to get involved in.

'The cool thing for me last year was the variety of people, many weren't your stereotypical rugby fans, it was a pretty vibrant scene,” says Mike.

'Our supporters made it clear us that they wanted a venue which created an atmosphere that was really enjoyable. The Tauranga Domain provided that environment they were looking for.”

Mike would love to see the mighty Steamers roll Taranaki on the field tomorrow, but will be equally delighted if Fans in Town can provide an experience where 5000-odd people enjoy a great atmosphere and a great day.

'For us it's about our community, our whanau. We want everyone to use rugby as a way to enjoy being part of this community.”

Tickets cost $20 for adults amd $5 for children 14 and under from www.boprugby.co.nz, Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.co.nz and at the gate.

For information on entertainment, road closures, parking, transport, see: www.mytauranga.co.nz/rugby