More than 17000 bottles of beer will be downed and almost 3000kg of meat and chicken eaten by the 50000 people expected to attend the Vodacom Durban July this weekend.

Behind-the-scenes teams are furiously putting the final touches to the dozens of tents - including three double-decker luxury facilities - in the now-famous Marquee Village.

Of the almost 1000 staff members who will be on duty, 390 of them are waiters and bar people.

"They will serve up to 17000 bottles of beer, 256000 containers of minerals, 2500 bottles of spirits and 900 bottles of wine to thirsty patrons," said Gold Circle Horse Racing and Gambling.

"The catering manager has also ordered an additional 80litres of orange juice, as well as 450litres of milk to accompany the countless cups of coffee and tea."

And it does not just apply to liquid refreshment, as 8000 portions of curry and rice will be served, made from 2200kg of meat, 750kg of chicken, 280kg of prawns and 300kg of crayfish.

On top of this, 2600 pieces of sushi and 1200 oysters will be eaten. There will also be 2500 pies, 2000 burgers and 350 litres of ice cream supplied.

Throw in 7000 bread rolls, 80kg of butter, 1200 eggs, 150kg of mushrooms, 120 pockets of potatoes, 280kg of cheese, 20 bags of sugar and 550kg of rice - it is a massive catering exercise.

But these staggering amounts of food and drink are for just a third of those expected to attend as 30% buy general access tickets according to Dave Macloed of Gameplan Media, the PR agency of the race.

Last year, it was reported that the Durban economy would be boosted by R400-million during the July weekend.