Sheevas Dayal –
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has confirmed that 75% of tickets to the DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017 were sold with less than a week for the opening match in Whangarei on June 3, 2017.
DHL NZ Lions Series 2017 officials said that just a few days to go, preparations were on track to deliver one of the largest sporting events ever held in New Zealand.
“Clearly interest in the once-in-a-decade event is high with more than 150,000 entries in the ballot for Test match tickets and we’re confident we’re on track to fill stadiums throughout the country. Tickets for the Tests and the Crusaders match on June 10, 2017 are no longer available and several ticket categories across all venues are already exhausted. The clear message is don’t leave it too late to buy tickets for the matches still on sale.
Good Position
“It is a good position; the Series kicks-off and the planning for the 10 matches and arrival of the Lions team and supporters shifting up a gear,” Nigel Cass, General Manager (Relationships) said.
Only general admission tickets are available for the opening match in Whangarei and the Maori All Blacks game in Rotorua, while availability in some ticket categories is limited in Dunedin, Hamilton and Wellington.
Tickets for matches involving the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians, Super Rugby teams and the Maori All Blacks start at $39, while children’s tickets start at $10 for the Barbarians and $29 for the other non-Test matches.
In addition, the official travel and hospitality programmes from All Blacks Tours and All Blacks Hospitality are tracking strongly, with sales to date exceeding initial forecasts.
Rugby Festival events
Cass said that regions hosting matches during the Series were busy planning events and activities that would appeal to visitors and local communities.
“We are working closely with Government and local regions to deliver the matches and are really encouraged by the planning underway to create events that excite fans around the country.
“There is a festival of great events under development including a long lunch in Whangarei, an NZSO special ‘Night at the Proms’ style event, a world record Haka attempt planned for Rotorua and fan zones throughout the country packed with great activities before the matches,” he said.
The full programme for the DHL NZ Lions Series 2017 was officially launched in March, showcasing New Zealand culture, arts, music, entertainment, food & beverage and innovation.
“No other event delivers the level of excitement and interest that the Lions Series does. The unique atmosphere that New Zealand and Lions fans will create will make for an incredible six weeks,” Cass said.
Rugby 2017 titbits
Only General Admission tickets remain available, Category A, B and C tickets sold out.
Blues – Auckland; selling well with limited tickets available in all categories.
Crusaders – Christchurch; Ticket allocation exhausted.
Highlanders – Dunedin; very limited Category A and B tickets available, Category C and D tickets available.
Maori All Blacks – Rotorua; Only General Admission tickets remain currently available. Category A and B ticket allocations are exhausted.
Chiefs- Hamilton; Only Category D and General Admission tickets remain available. Category A, B and C ticket allocations exhausted.
Hurricanes – Wellington Very limited Category A and B tickets remain with Category C and D tickets also available.
Sheevas Dayal is accredited Correspondent for New Zealand Rugby Lions Series 2017. He will travel to all venues and file his reports for Indian Newslink readers.
