Free Bay of Plenty Steamers tickets to flood-affected residents

The Bay of Plenty Steamers Rotorua games are free for flood affected Edgecumbe and Whakatane district residents this season. Photo/File

Flood-affected Edgecumbe and Whakatane district residents can attend the first three Bay of Plenty Steamers home games for free this season.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union has created the 'The Edge Zone' with 250 tickets donated for the three Mitre 10 Cup games at the Rotorua International Stadium.

Tickets are available for those in red or yellow flood-affected properties with proof of address needed.

District Recovery Manager Julie Gardyne, Whakatane District Mayor Tony Bonne, BOP Rugby's David Pearce, Councillor Mike Van der Boom and Recovery Community Team Lead Barbara Dempsey. Photo/Supplied

Earlier this year the union pledged the assistance of supporters to help with the Edgecumbe appeal.

The Chiefs franchise, along with a number of local rugby clubs, schools, kindergartens and families, contributed food, rugby balls, and clothing to the affected Eastern Bay communities.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Mike Rogers said players and staff were overwhelmed with the response they received in the midst of the devastation around the community.

The EDGE Zone is coming!

We are stoked to announce that we are giving 250 tickets to the wider… https://t.co/dG0y5T3NWW

— BOP Rugby (@BOPRugby) August 15, 2017

"When our high performance players delivered the goods we gathered for the wider Whakatane community, the volunteers and recipients were extremely grateful. The group had created a buzz among those affected with Steamers flags being proudly waved and Steamers rugby balls being passed around.

"We knew the group were proud Bay of Plenty supporters in the midst of so much devastation," he said.

Read more:
• Heartbeat: Flood-hit Edgecumbe battles on

Mr Rogers said they were in a position to provide the community with a chance to enjoy themselves and reward those who have been affected by the floods, including volunteers that had provided their time to assist families and friends get back on their feet.

Bay of Plenty Steamers Fixtures:
Bay of Plenty v Hawke's Bay at Rotorua International Stadium - Friday August 25 5.45pm
Bay of Plenty v Wellington at Rotorua International Stadium - Thursday August 31 7.35pm
Bay of Plenty v Southland at Rotorua International Stadium - Wednesday September 20 7.35pm

Ticket Collection Information:

The Whakatane District Council-run Recovery Office is assisting with ticket distribution.

Tickets are available at Te Tari Awhina - Edgecumbe Library on Wednesday August 16 and Friday August 17 from 9am-4pm and at Whakatane District Council on Monday August 21 from 11am-2pm.