The category expanded to eight teams with the inclusion of Wanganui Collegiate and St Peters, Cambridge, who join returning talent from Gisborne Girls, Havelock North and Taradale High Schools as well as Woodford and Iona College.
Ticket sales were steady with people from throughout the country securing their seats to catch an action-packed event, director David Nancarrow said.
"It's Hawke's Bay and beyond which is really encouraging.
It's eight of the world's top 13 ranked teams, with a ticket you get four games per day so I would say that's extremely good value."
Festival of Hockey will introduce a new award for players participating in the elite Hawke's Bay Cup - the Robyn Mactaggart Medal. It was created in memory of the late Mrs Mactaggart - wife of the event's creator Bruce Mactaggart - who was a passionate supporter of local hockey having coached both school and junior representative teams.
It will be handed to the player judged "best" and "fairest" in the tournament's international division.
"It's a fantastic way to remember Robyn, we just saw the medal last week; the person who wins it is going to have a serious memento."
-Reserved seating and general admission tickets for the festival are available from: hockeyfestival.co.nz
