The Highlanders pre-season match in Queenstown next Friday
will come at a cost to spectators, unlike last year's
free-entry match.
The Blues and Highlanders will play on the Recreation Ground
again this year, as the Queenstown Events Centre in Frankton
prepares to host the English cricket team at the end of the
month.
Although last year's pre-season Highlanders match against
Super 15 winners the Chiefs was free for spectators the
pre-season match this year will cost adults $20, both
pre-sale and at the gate.
Highlanders communications manager Doug McSweeney said the
admission charge was to cover the cost of flying the Blues
side from Auckland and covering both teams' accommodation
costs.
The match would be free for children.
About 200 tickets have been sold so far and Mr McSweeney
expects most tickets will be sold at the gate, given
Queenstown's relaxed nature for events, and reach a near
capacity crowd of 5000.
Lakes Leisure events and venues manager JD Marrable said
tickets were free last year because of the late notice and
impromptu nature of the match.
He said next Friday's match had more associated costs, most
of which would come from the Blues' performance-related fees.
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