Hawke's Bay Magpies sponsor IMS Payroll is planning to heighten Mclean Park's siege mentality this season. The company intends to fill the stands by giving away 600 ITM Cup rugby tickets. Managing director and ardent Magpie supporter Kevin Atkinson is gifting the tickets to local schools to use for fundraising projects. A similarinitiative last year saw the tickets (total value $18,000) raise money for Frimley Primary, Mayfair Primary and Otane Primary schools. Mr Atkinson will build on the atmosphere at Hawke's Bay's games with Magpie supporter banners and posters with the theme "Rugby it's in our Blood." "Other teams don't enjoy coming to McLean Park because of our loud fans and the banners will just add to the atmosphere," Mr Atkinson said. The competition is open to primary schools throughout the Bay with the banner competition for school groups and the poster competition for individual students. The winning group receives 100 match tickets, a visit to a Magpie training run and their banner displayed at the game. Second and third also receive 100 tickets each and also get to display their banners. Entries close on Wednesday, July 21. All should be posted to IMS Building, 200 Queen Street West, Hastings. All banners and posters must have the IMS and Magpie logos.
