Fans are hoping for a somewhat longer match in Wellington today as the Black Caps take on the West Indies this afternoon for their Cricket World Cup quarter final.

Westpac Stadium chief executive Shane Harmon is hoping for a bit more than the England match a month ago, which saw the New Zealanders win in just three hours and 45 minutes.

"It'll certainly be nice to see a full day's play, but I think we're all cheering for the Black Caps and will take whatever win we can get."

"The pitch looks great, the weather forecast is good though we're not expecting to need that rain day on Sunday."

Harmon says the game is a sell-out, which will make for a phenomenal atmosphere.

Wellington bars are also preparing for what they hope will be a well-behaved party tonight.

Hospitality New Zealand's Wellington regional manager Dylan Firth says the tournament's crowds so far have been relatively tame.

"There hasn't been a lot of issues, and I speak to the police quite regularly, and they say how well-behaved the crowds have been at the World Cup."

Firth believes independent of the outcome of the match, it will be a big night in Wellington city.

"I would put it on par with an All Blacks weekend, easily. It's one our biggest weekends."

Meanwhile the Sport and Recreation Minister is confident the Cricket World Cup has been beyond value for money.

Jonathan Coleman is delighted with how well the event has showcased our nation.

He says for ten million dollars of government investment, $50 million is expected to come back into the New Zealand economy, and we've had nearly 40,000 visitors.

"It's the sort of advertising for New Zealand that money can't buy. Pictures of our grounds going all around the world and a global TV audience of more than one billion."

Dr Coleman believes that's the type of thing which stimulates people overseas to come and visit and also possibly invest here. He also feels continued Black Caps success would be icing on the cake.

"They've had a magnificent tournament and we're very proud of the performance they've put in on and off the field."

"They're a great bunch of guys and I think they deserve to do really, really well."