Rugby: Hamilton awaits influx of fans

Chiefs fans get to support their team in the first semifinal on home soil. Photo / Getty Images

Excitement is brewing in Hamilton as the city gears up to host the first semifinal of the Super 14 with the Chiefs at home for the clash.

The game against the Hurricanes on Friday night will be the second time the Waikato team have reached the playoffs and the only time they've played a semifinal on home soil. Their last semifinal was in Canberra against the Brumbies in 2004.

Public tickets go on sale at 9am tomorrow and officials are expecting Waikato Stadium to fill its 25,500 seats.

Tickets were made available to the stadium's 2500 season pass holders yesterday and those on the rugby database - including players, coaches and referees - will have their chance to purchase tickets today before they are opened up to fans.

Chiefs CEO Gary Dawson expected the teams to play in front of a sell-out crowd.

"There is a huge amount of hype, a lot of interest, not only in Hamilton but in the Chiefs region," Mr Dawson said.

An extra 500 seats are to be erected at the northern end of the stadium to cope with the influx.

While most people would purchase their tickets online, people had been known to line up overnight, he said.

"In past experiences, when we've had test matches and semifinals and finals here, yeah there have been queues. We'll just wait and see."

Friday's game follows the Chiefs' 10-7 win over the Brumbies in Hamilton and the Hurricanes' 38-27 win over the Reds in Brisbane.

The kick-off for the second semifinal between the Bulls and the Crusaders is yet to be confirmed but is likely to be Saturday afternoon (South African time, early Sunday NZT).