Tauranga’s Mercury Baypark will be the epicentre of cheer and excitement this Saturday, August 3, as it hosts the highly anticipated ‘Battle in the Bay’ cheerleading competition.

With 65 dynamic teams from across New Zealand set to showcase their skills, event producer Rebecca Grigson says they expect to draw a crowd of about 3000 enthusiastic spectators.

“We normally have over 1000 athletes,” says Rebecca.

“We’ve been doing Battle in the Bay for five years, since 2016, to bring people to a beautiful location to compete, and it gives a boost to the local economy.”

Now in its sixth year, 2024 promises to be a memorable one. Rebecca says they’re keeping the ticket price cheap for spectators and supporters, offering a special price for seniors “so mum, dad and grandparents can come”.

“I want it to be all-inclusive for all the families to come. And we keep it to a one-day competition because of the cost of accommodation, and so they don’t have to rush back on one day or get back late Sunday night.”

Mackenzie Hockings from Bay Twisters. Photo: John Borren.

Rebecca says Battle in the Bay has grown each year, and now is one of the biggest cheerleading events in the country.

“I started the event because I noticed there were mainly Auckland-based competitions and I thought: ‘Why not?’ It would be nice to hold something locally and bring people to a local place”.

It promotes the sport locally and it’s good for Tauranga to host such a big event.

“Next year I’m hoping to bring some international athletes, such as from Australia.”

Cheer teams will travel to Tauranga today to compete on Saturday, August 3 and return home Sunday.

The competition runs from 9am-7.30pm on Saturday, August 3, at Mercury Baypark with tickets available on Ticketek.

Marama Chocobar, Demi Geary and Mackenzie Hockings from Bay Twisters. Photo: John Borren.

“In the morning, we have 94 specialties where they do solos, duos – it’s massive. There are 65 teams competing in the afternoon.”

Rebecca says all the athletes receive a gift on arrival, with upstairs rooms hired so each club can have their own room “to get ready, have their own privacy and do their hair”.

The competition promises a vibrant display of athleticism and spirt, making it a must-see event for cheerleading fans and the wider community.

Battle in the Bay 2024, Saturday, August 3 from 9am-7.30pm at Mercury Baypark, Mount Maunganui.

- SunLive