The Black Sticks will play their first international in Otago in more than a decade and their first in Cromwell when the tournament begins next weekend.
Central Otago Sports Turf Trust chairman Michael Paardekooper confirmed tickets for the Black Sticks’ games were in short supply.
"The ticket sales have been unbelievable," Paardekooper said.
"All the weekend games have sold out and the New Zealand and Australia midweek game has sold out. There is still a few tickets left for the New Zealand-Japan game and quite a few tickets left for the Japan-Australia game."
The tournament is being staged at the Pioneer Energy Turf on May 19-27. Organisers have decided to limit tickets to between 1200 and 1300 for each game, despite being able to squeeze in more paying customers.
"We wanted the experience to be good so we’ve restricted it to that. We could fit in more than that but we don’t want to ruin people’s experience," Paardekooper said.
Hockey New Zealand is bound to look favourably on Cromwell in light of the success. But Paardekooper wanted to get through this event first before discussing any future allocation.
The community will certainly welcome the Black Sticks back, Paardekooper revealing the town was in for a windfall to the tune of $250,000.
All three teams are staying in Cromwell for the nine-day tournament. It adds up to about 1000 bed nights and, by the time meals and other expenses are added, the town will reap quite the reward.
"I know there is going to be more than $250,000 coming in ... and that is great for the town and it also shows that Central Otago has great sporting facilities.
"The hockey turf is just one of a number of tremendous sporting facilities.
"And the support from the community has been great. Who would have thought we would sell 10,000 tickets during a period of nine or 10 days?"
Australia arrives in Cromwell on Tuesday and Japan will check in the following day. The Black Sticks make their first appearance on Thursday.
The Commonwealth Games gold medallist might be the last team to arrive but it will be popular.
The players plan to visit schools in the regions to show off their gold medals and inspire the next generation.
