New Zealand Rugby Union disappointed by slow ticket sales for All Blacks test against Fiji
New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU), which was previously delighted with sudden rise in Rugby World Cup 2011 tickets’ sales during the past few days, is once again having a tough time with the slow turn out of the spectators for the All Blacks’ upcoming test
match against Fiji on July 22, in Dunedin. The Carisbrook Stadium in Dunedin can seat 28,000 people but only10000 seats have been booked for the season opener test.
NZRU chief executive, Steve Tew, expressed his disappointment over the slow pace of ticket sales and urged spectators to come out from their homes to watch the action live. Talking to the media on Thursday, 14 July, Tew admitted that local residents have
not responded according to the expectations of the union.
Meanwhile, the NZRU boss pointed out few reasons behind the sagging interest of fans. He said that Rugby World Cup 2011 is at touching distance and most people are aiming to catch the action live in the largest event of the year. RWC 2011 is being held in
New Zealand and will kick off on September 9. NZRU released the figures for World Cup ticket sales last week as they crossed the one million mark.
Tew further said that, “We are sensible enough to put it in the context of going back to Carisbrook and the tough economic climate where it has been hard to get people through the gate all year. And it is in the middle of winter."
The boss also said that expensive rates may also be the reason of keeping people away from Carisbrook. He suggested that, “At the end of the day, maybe we need to review the pricing structure as well. It is a combination of events. We've had a lot of footy
and some people might view Fiji as a lesser opposition. I wouldn't but some people might.”
All Blacks will play a test against Fiji on July 22 before heading towards the Tri-Nations Cup 2011, starting the next day.
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