The free event at North Hagley Park, at the Carlton Mill Rd corner, will be feature some of New Zealand's top musical acts, stage shows featuring ex-Black Caps, a giant game of backyard cricket where McCaw will try out the summer game, and one of the city's biggest fireworks displays.
Sunny skies with temperatures in the mid to high 20s look set for the extravaganza.
From 6.30pm to 8pm, around 80 children will join up with celebrity cricketers in games of cricket played across four cricket ovals divided into areas that represent the 14 nations taking part in the tournament, which starts on Saturday with New Zealand taking on Sri Lanka at nearby Hagley Oval.
Around 8pm, a solo piper will lead the cricketers towards the main stage for the main show to begin at 8.30pm.
The show will be broadcast live on TV by Prime and Sky TV and compered by Laura McGoldrick, Matt Heath and Jeremy Wells.
It will feature live performances by Shapeshifter, Hayley Westenra, Sol3 Mio, Ginny Blackmore and the New Zealand Army Band.
At 10.30pm, the spectacular show will conclude with a massive fireworks display.
Christchurch City Council is warning of heavy traffic around the event, and for both commuters and fans going to the opening ceremony, to plan their travel well ahead of time.
"We're asking people to do something different that day," said Christchurch Transport Operations Centre (CTOC) Manager Ryan Cooney.
He urges people to walk to the event if they work or live in the city, or go by bike or bus.
Those not going to the event, are advised to use alternate routes.
- Kurt Bayer of NZME. News Service
