New Zealand rugby fans are to be given the best chance of getting to see the British and Irish Lions play on their tour of New Zealand next year, with the New Zealand Rugby Union today announcing a public ballot for match tickets.
The NZRU released details on the ballot at a launch in Wellington today, with NZRU Deputy CEO Steve Tew saying the tour would be ‘one of the biggest sporting events ever seen in New Zealand’.
In announcing the ticketing policy, Tew said the NZRU wanted a fair, balanced and transparent system that gave everyone the chance to see the Lions play.
‘This is the most eagerly anticipated rugby tour of recent times and there is a massive demand for tickets. We expect that demand will far outweigh supply and by holding a ballot, we are giving everyone the chance to buy a ticket,’ he said.
Ticket prices will range from as low as $10 for a children’s ticket to three of the provincial matches to $300 for a prime seat at a Test match.
An estimated 150,000 tickets will be available to Lions matches via the public ballot.
A significant number of the tickets available will be in the mid to lower price range.
‘This is a tour for all New Zealanders and we want as many people as possible around the country to see the Lions play and to experience the atmosphere at a rugby ground near them. There is a range of prices available for everyone,’ he added.
Tew said while a public ballot was a first for New Zealand rugby, it was common at major overseas events, including the Rugby World Cup and Wimbledon.
New Zealand Post is carrying out the ballot for the NZRU using a computer system specifically designed for the Lions Series ballot.
Members of the public will have a two-month period, from 1 November to 24 December 2004, to register for tickets via a website, www.lions.co.nz, or by picking up an application form from a New Zealand Post shop. Fans will be asked to list the matches they want to buy tickets for in preferential order. The ballot will be held during February 2005.
The NZRU also announced that members of New Zealand’s Rugby Community, season pass holders and residents living within the boundaries of the provincial unions hosting Lions provincial matches, would have a higher chance of success in the ballot through a preferential ‘weighting’ system.
‘The Rugby Community includes a number of groups, such as players, referees, managers and coaches at all levels, as well as the thousands of administrators and volunteers who give their time tirelessly to rugby in New Zealand. We want to reward them for their service,’ Tew said.
‘We also want to acknowledge the hometown fans who follow their provincial sides year in, year out. They too will have an extra chance in the ballot.’
Tew said 2004 season pass holders in the Test match cities of Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland would be among the most rewarded people in the country as they would be offered the right to purchase a Test ticket before the public ballot.
‘Season pass holders are among the key supporters of rugby in New Zealand and they deserve the opportunity to buy tickets to the Lions matches at their venue before the ballot.’
Members of the Rugby Community have until September 30 this year to register on their provincial union database to be eligible for the weighting in the ballot. Provincial unions are working with their clubs and members to ensure all eligible people are entered on the database.
Tew said while some people were getting preferential treatment in the ballot, he said it was important to remember that it was still a ballot and everyone had a chance.
‘Members of the public will still have a chance in the ballot. It’s all in the luck of the draw,’ he said.
For more information contact:
Joe Locke
NZRU Media Manager
P: 04 494 0778
M: 027 441 8461
E: joe.locke@nzrugby.co.nz