A big weekend ahead for Hamilton, as the Sevens tournament kicks off, and celebrates its 21st birthday

This is the third year it's being held in Hamilton - and the first time it's being run as a fully integrated mens and womens tournament.

Hamilton City Council's Chad Hooker says they're excited - with figures showing last year's event poured 3-million-dollars into the local economy - which is why they do it.

He says it'll be a long weekend - with 60 games across today and tomorrow - so people need to prepare appropriately.