Carisbrook sellout within week likely

Just under 3500 tickets are left for next month's test at Carisbrook, with predictions the ground will sell out within the week.

The clash between the All Blacks and Wales on June 19 will be the last test at Carisbrook with the new Forsyth Barr stadium to be used after that.

More than 1000 tickets were sold when tickets went on sale across the country on Monday and another 500 were sold yesterday.

Previously, tickets could only be bought by those south of the Waitaki River.

Otago Rugby Football Union operations manager Coryn Huddy said the union was looking at putting in additional on-field seating to accommodate the increased ticket demand.

The seating in front of the main stand would number about 800, taking the capacity of Carisbrook up to 28,000.

There were 3287 tickets left at 5pm yesterday.

All terrace standing tickets have been sold, along with seats in the Neville St stand.

However, most of the tickets for the covered section of the Railway stand, and for the Hillside stand remain.

Huddy said the behaviour of fans at matches at Carisbrook this season so far had been pleasing, and hoped that would continue with the test.

The union indicated earlier this year it would operate a zero tolerance attitude to poor behaviour as it increases security in line with World Cup requirements next year.

Huddy has been pleased with the way Carisbrook crowds have reacted to the expectation of improved crowd behaviour this season.

At Super 14 matches this year there has been an increase in security and also the reintroduction of searching of patrons and bags looking for prohibited items.

Huddy said the greater focus on security and managing unacceptable crowd behaviour had led to a more enjoyable atmosphere at this season's matches.

There had been only three arrests for disorderly behaviour at Super 14 games this year, but Huddy warned unacceptable behaviour would not be tolerated at the test.

All fans attending the test against Wales would be searched on arrival at the grounds and it would be best to arrive early to avoid queues.

Huddy said the aim was to create the best atmosphere of any test in New Zealand in 2010.

There are plans under way to mark the fact it is the last test at Carisbrook but they are being kept under wraps.

 

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