At least a dozen satisfied smiles were spotted yesterday as those who decided to call at Ticketek's Municipal Theatre outlet in Napier got lucky.
For within about 20 minutes of the last batch of general admission tickets for the Rod Stewart at the Mission Concert going on sale the "sold out"signs went up.
While the entrance was clear just after 8am, people started to arrive just after 8.30am and after sales began at 9am those who had queued first were rewarded.
"Yes!" was how one woman was heard to sum up her purchase of two tickets.
All 25,000 tickets, from general admission to reserved seating and special packages, were sold in what is thought to be the second-fastest sell-out occasion - the record being 22 minutes and held by Rod Stewart from 2005.
"He still retains the record of being the fastest seller," Mission Estate Winery chief executive Peter Holley said.
Sport and Entertainment director of operations Garry Craft said the huge initial response from concert club members last Saturday was a clear indicator the February 25 concert would sell out.
It was fitting that the 20th Mission Concert anniversary would be celebrated in a big way, Mr Holley said.
"From our perspective, we are absolutely delighted that we have been able to attract an artist of Rod Stewart's calibre and that the public are supporting us in the way they have in previous years."
