Sell-out crowd expected for Chappell-Hadlee series

GEARING UP: Ngapaki Gripp (left) and Sherif Riad from Baxters Event Catering loading up the caravans with supplies ready for today's big game. PHOTO/DUNCAN BROWN.

Two stands have sold out and the third is on the brink as game two of the Chappell-Hadlee series beckons.

Black Caps and cricket rivals Australia will battle it out at McLean Park today in what is expected to be a tight one-day international contest.

Central Districts Cricket Association chief executive Peter De Wet said ticket sales in the last two days had flourished.

"The Harris stand has sold out and the Graeme Lowe is very close so there definitely has been a flurry of activity in the ticketing office. We are confident it will be a sell-out."

The Chapman stand also sold out prior to game day.

Baxters Catering are joining the party and gearing up for a big day today as owner Hamish Murphy said Hawke's Bay crowds were always great eaters.

"If the weather holds then I think everybody will come out. I love watching cricket and I love serving," he said.

The company will be selling everything from pizzas, icecream and mussel fritters to the "Napier favourite hot dogs and chips".

It is clear there is a buzz about town and Mr De Wet recommends to avoid the frustration of queuing to get tickets online or at any Ticketek office.

The last time the Black Caps and Australia played at McLean Park was in 2010 when the Kiwis won the match in the last over.

It is expected to be another close ODI contest if the first game of the Chappell-Hadlee series was anything to go by.

"I think it will be a great game, as they seem to be very closely matched and evenly poised. Monday's game showed us that."

McLean park has a capacity crowd of more than 10,000, which Mr De Wet thinks will be filled by those who have purchased tickets and the many walk-ins expected throughout the day.

"We hope lots will come later in the day and after work but I guess that is weather permitting."

According to MetService after this long stint of dry weather occasional rain is expected today but should clear in the evening.

The match is due to startat 2pm today.

To purchase tickets online go to premier.ticketek.co.nz or visit the Ticketek office at the Municipal Theatre in Napier.