The 2016 Super Rugby final between the Hurricanes and the Lions at Westpac Stadium on Saturday night has sold out.
The Hurricanes will host the Super Rugby final for the second year running and will be in front of a full house on their home ground in Wellington where there will be 36,500 fans in the stands at a venue the club has dubbed Our House this season.
Tickets were snapped up by the public after going on sale at midday today including more than 2000 temporary seats installed by Westpac Stadium for the final.
Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee said the response from fans had been fantastic.
“We’ve had great support all season and the team can’t wait to play in front of a packed house on Saturday. We’re really pleased that our members have been able to enjoy three free playoff matches as part of their membership this year and I hope they all have a memorable night.”
In an innovative move late last year, the Hurricanes offered their 5,000 plus season members free tickets to all home playoff matches in 2016.
Those members’ tickets were not part of the public sale, while Hurricanes stakeholders were also given the opportunity to pre-purchase tickets on Monday.
Lee did not anticipate any ticket returns from sponsors and stakeholders being made available for a second public sale as was the case last year.
“We we’re conscious of ensuring real rugby fans had a chance to attend the playoffs and set affordable prices. When a match is sold out there are unfortunately always some people who miss out, but we believe we’ve done what we could to give everyone the best chance possible to secure a ticket.”
The Hurricanes were aware of some tickets appearing on Trade Me and had already taken action.
“We have technology that allows us to cancel any ticket illegally put up for resale and we have a team of people reviewing auctions that contravene the terms and conditions of purchase.”
Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd said the support of fans had played a big part in the team’s success over the past two seasons.
“We had great support last year and again this year people have come out and got behind the team. I know it’s given the players a real lift and to run out to a full house at Westpac Stadium in the final will be a big boost on Saturday. To have friends, family and fans in the stands means a lot to everybody at the club.”
