Lions tickets almost snapped up

Only general admission tickets remain for the British and Irish Lions match against the Maori All Blacks in Rotorua. Photo/File

Test match tickets for the British and Irish Lions tour are already sold out with only general admission remaining for the match against the Maori All Blacks in Rotorua on June 17.

Events around the tour are also in planning including a world record haka attempt in Rotorua.

New Zealand Rugby today confirmed that 75 per cent of tickets to the DHL New Zealand Lions Series were already sold with less than four months to go until the opening match in Whangarei.

DHL NZ Lions Series NZR General Manager Nigel Cass said with 107 days to go, preparations were on track to deliver one of the largest sporting events ever held in New Zealand.

"Clearly interest in the once-in-a-decade event is high with more than 150,000 entries in the ballot for test match tickets and we're confident we're on track to fill stadiums throughout the country.

"Tickets for the tests and the Crusaders match on June 10 are no longer available and several ticket categories across all venues are already exhausted. The clear message is don't leave it too late to buy tickets for the matches still on sale.

"It's a good position to be in with 107 days to go until the series kicks-off and the planning for the 10 matches and arrival of the Lions team and supporters shifting up a gear," Mr Cass said.

Only general admission tickets are available for the opening match in Whangarei and the Maori All Blacks game in Rotorua, while availability in some ticket categories is limited in Dunedin, Hamilton and Wellington.

Tickets for matches involving the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians, Super Rugby teams and the Maori All Blacks start at $39, while children's tickets start at $10 for the Barbarians and $29 for the other non-test matches.

In addition, the official travel and hospitality programmes from All Blacks Tours and All Blacks Hospitality are tracking strongly, with sales to date exceeding initial forecasts.

Regions hosting matches during the series were busy planning events and activities that would appeal to visitors and local communities.

"We are working closely with government and local regions to deliver the matches and are really encouraged by the planning underway to create events that excite fans around the country," he said.

"There's a festival of great events under development including a long lunch in Whangarei, an NZSO special 'Night at the Proms' style event, a world record Haka attempt planned for Rotorua and fanzones throughout the country packed with great activities before the matches."

The full programme for the DHL NZ Lions Series 2017 will be officially launched in March and will showcase New Zealand culture, arts, music, entertainment, food & beverage and kiwi innovation.

"No other event delivers the level of excitement and interest that the Lions Series does. The unique atmosphere that New Zealand and Lions fans will create will make for an incredible six weeks," said Mr Cass.

For further information and tickets visit nzlionsseries17.com

Ticketing snapshot

NZ Provincial Barbarians - Whangarei
Only General Admission tickets remain available, Category A, B and C ticket allocations exhausted.
Blues - Auckland
Selling well with limited tickets available in all categories.
Crusaders - Christchurch
Ticket allocation is exhausted.
Highlanders - Dunedin
Very limited Category A and B tickets remain available, with Category C and D tickets also available.
Maori All Blacks - Rotorua
Only General Admission tickets remain currently available. Category A and B ticket allocations are exhausted.
Chiefs- Hamilton
Only Category D and General Admission tickets remain available. Category A, B and C ticket allocations exhausted.
Hurricanes - Wellington
Very limited Category A and B tickets remain with Category C and D tickets also available.