The Masters Games are "a wee mini boom'' for Dunedin, with the event estimated to inject up to $4.5 million into the local economy, games manager Vicki Kestila says.
"It is a lovely boost for the economy,'' Kestila said.
"Our visitor spend was on average $716 when they came to Dunedin for the 2014 games. They spent that on accommodation, food and drinks, retail, transport and entertainment.
"It's a wee mini boom for the city. They bring a lot of colour [to the city] too.''
More than 4500 people have registered for the games.
That is down on 2014, but the number could grow significantly.
"We are aiming for 5000 [competitors] and the entries are still ticking over. It is really surprising how many you do get in that last week.
"Dunedin people always wait until the last minute. Last time we got 700 late entries.
"I'm not sure if we will hit 5000 but we will get pretty close to it.''
The opening weekend is the busiest time for the Games, with netball, archery, athletics, golf, football, hockey, cricket and many more competitions getting under way.
The netball will get off to a colourful start with a costume parade at the Edgar Centre beginning at 11.40am on Saturday.
The theme this year is sporting legends, so there might be some Lois Muir-inspired wigs on show and perhaps even a Merv Hughes moustache or two.
Former Otago Rebel netballer turned world champion cyclist Alison Shanks and Dame Lois Muir will be present for the parade and to hand out medals later in the day.
Shanks and former Otago and Highlanders coach Tony Gilbert are tournament ambassadors.
Volunteers were busy yesterday filling goody bags for the participants.
The bags contain a Masters Games handbook, sun block, a discount voucher book and some kind of novelty accessory just for a bit of a laugh.
There are competitors coming from 13 countries, including three participants from Guam.
One hundred and seventy Australians are making the trip across the Ditch, so if you hear the chant "Aussie, Aussie,Aussie'', it is all just part of the fun.
And there is a very good chance most of the medals will be won by New Zealanders anyway.
