PUBLIC FIGURES ranging from Taoiseach Brian Cowen to U2 front man Bono will be among those in attendance at tomorrow's match in Limerick between Munster and the All Blacks.
The game marks the official opening of the recently redeveloped Thomond Park rugby stadium.
Bono will join a star-studded guest list, which includes Christy Moore, Michael Flatley, golfer Pádraig Harrington and comedian Tommy Tiernan. The stadium's 20 private boxes were snapped up by corporate companies in the weeks before the completion of work at Thomond Park.
Some €40 million has been spent on redeveloping the rugby venue which will also be used for outdoor concerts from next summer.
Elton John will be the first live act to perform at Thomond Park on June 6th next, while other concerts are due to be confirmed over the coming months.
Hotels and guesthouses across the midwest region have been booked out ahead of the eagerly awaited rematch between the sides.
It is exactly 30 years since the Munster team had its historic victory over New Zealand at Thomond Park and the anniversary game is set to generate some €6 million for the local economy, according to local business leaders.
The fixture will be preceded by a minute's silence for murdered Limerick rugby player Shane Geoghegan.
Meanwhile, All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu will switch on Limerick's Christmas lights at 5pm this evening, on the eve of the big game. He has also been invited to light up Ireland's tallest Christmas tree located on the river Shannon.
The All Blacks players, who travelled to Limerick after Saturday's pedestrian victory over Ireland in Croke Park, last night officially opened the Munster rugby store at Thomond Park and the stadium's new interactive museum before taking part in a autograph signing session.