Updated: 6:50am – Hamilton and Waikato Tourism is expecting a big weekend when the sold out New Zealand Sevens kicks off next year.
FMG Stadium Waikato will be at capacity with over 23,000 tickets being sold for the games on February 3rd and 4th.
More than 40 per cent of ticket sales were bought by fans outside of the city, with two thirds of total sales being sold during pre-sale.
New Zealand Sevens General Manager, Steve Dunbar said promoting pre-sales to Chiefs season members went exceptionally well.
“When we went on public sale at the end of August we knew that the tournament was going to be a success so that pre-sale was critical to where we got to today.”
Dunbar said the sell-out is a great result.
“Hamiltonians have got right in behind the tournament coming to town. We look forward now to spending the next three months making sure we deliver a great tournament so the fans have a fantastic time.”
It’s the first time Hamilton is hosting the event, taking over from previous host city Wellington.
Hamilton and Waikato Tourism CEO, Jason Dawson said events is a big reason people visit the region.
“I think for many people who’ve not been to Hamilton in the last three to four years, there’s been a transformation as a city and hosting and also in the wider region we’ve got some great tourism attractions.”
Three zones will be outside FMG Stadium Waikato, including a family fun-fair, R18 entertainment area, and warm up zone – where fans can watch players before games.
Dawson said they’re looking to build on good reputation.
“We’re just thrilled to actually be able to bring it to the region. We’ve also got good pedigree in actually delivering exceptional world class sports events in the region.”
-NewstalkZB
Featured Image: It’s the first time Hamilton is hosting the event, taking over from previous host city Wellington. (Photo \ Getty Images)
