First Offer of 'Historic Test Match' Tickets

Otago Rugby Football Union Media Release
16 May

North Otago / Otago/ Southland To Get First Offer of 'Historic Test Match' Tickets

On the 3rd June people in North Otago, Otago and Southland will be the first to be given the opportunity to buy tickets for what will be an historic test match at Carisbrook when New Zealand plays South Africa on July 12. The game will mark 100 years of test rugby at Carisbrook

The ORFU is expecting a huge demand for tickets both nationally and internationally from those who want to revel in nostalgia and experience the legendary 'Carisbrook' spectacle that is test rugby at its best.

The CEO of the ORFU, Richard Reid says the decision to restrict the first two weeks of ticket sales to those living South of Waitaki has been made in response to the loyalty of local supporters whose history of passion for rugby has contributed to the enduring nature of Carisbrook as New Zealand's ultimate rugby test match venue.

Reid says, " We don't want our loyal supporters to miss out on a ticket to an event that is as much about them as it is about the players and the game. Our centennial celebrations will be a time to embrace the Carisbrook folklore.

"A test match at Carisbrook has always been more than a game, it's also about fathers and sons, families and friends, scarfies, a pie and a couple of jugs, it's about being there. Carisbrook is test match rugby the way it should be, in Dunedin, a city they plays host like no other."

A hundred years ago the first test match at Carisbrook was between the All Blacks and the Anglo-Welsh. The All Blacks won 32-5 beginning a record at Carisbrook that has seen the All Blacks win 30 test matches from 34; just three losses and a draw. South Africa has played the All Blacks seven times at Carisbrook and has never beaten them.

The launch of the centennial celebrations will coincide with the opening of ticket sales on 3 June. A series of events, including an Octagon invasion of many of New Zealand's rugby greats, is being planned and details will be announced shortly.

Ticket sales will open to the wider public on 16 June through the ticketdirect website, Carisbrook offices and ticketdirect outlets . However people can register their interest in tickets prior to that date via the website www.ticketdirect.co.nz The site also has a link to the DCC's Vistitors' Centre for accommodation enquiries.

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