31st March 2010 02:22PM

The Chiefs' got a great taste of Bay hospitality yesterday from their younger fans!

Hundreds of school kids flocked to Baypark Stadium at Mount Maunganui yesterday to watch the Chiefs train.

Players trained for a solid two hours in front of the crowd of young fans, then signed autographs afterwards. The school kids were treated to Chiefs autograph books, BNZ Chiefs flags, posters and Chiefs mere.

One little boy said: "it was the best day of his life" meeting the Chiefs.

The Chiefs travelled by bus on Tuesday morning to spend a day at Mount Maunganui and Tauranga. Following their training session, a number of Chiefs went for visits to Tauriko School, Bethlehem School, Tauranga Intermediate, Papamoa School and St Thomas Moore School. Also some young surf lifesavers from Omanu Surf Club, one of the Pass It On Foundation recipients, were visited by a couple of Chiefs.

Chief Jarrad Hoeata returned to his former primary school Papamoa School, and caught up with his youngest brother Geordie. Seven year-old Geordie was proud to see his big brother and travelled with him around the school's many classrooms while Jarrad spoke about being a Chief and what he remembered about Papamoa School.

The Chiefs will be back at Mount Maunganui this Saturday night to take on the Highlanders at Baypark Stadium. Kick off is 7.35pm.

Gates open at 5.30pm with a curtain raiser match between Otumoetai College and St Peter's School being held at this time.

Fans are encouraged to get to the game early to avoid queues and congestion. New traffic management plans have been put in place to make the entry and exit points to the stadium easier to follow and to create better flow. For further parking information, click here

Secure your tickets now via www.chiefs.co.nz If you are buying tickets in the Bay of Plenty area Baycourt Centennial Theatre is a physical ticket outlet, and Baypark Stadium will be open at 9.00am on Saturday 3 April for sales. Pre-buy sales will ensure fans get the best prices available such as the Take a Match special - two covered seats for just $40. Kids tickets are $7. (Pre-buy prices apply until gates open at 5.30pm).