By yesterday afternoon, more than 13,500 tickets had been sold for the Highlanders-Crusaders game, and Highlanders general manager Roger Clark is expecting a crowd of between 18,000 and 20,000.
In May 2005, a crowd of 22,000 watched the Crusaders beat the Highlanders 27-13 at Carisbrook, and in February 2006, a crowd of 17,500 watched the Highlanders beat the Blues 25-13.
Clark said he was hoping for a crowd of up to 20,000, and to have sold more than 11,000 tickets already was a great start.
"There is an exciting buzz around the town. There have been some great games over the years between Otago and Canterbury-based teams so people want to get along and I know the guys really enjoy playing in front of a big crowd," Clark said.
After about 11,000 for the first game against the Chiefs on February 25, a crowd nearly double that would be a great boost to the financial coffers of the franchise.
"We were above budget for that first game and now we have already gone over the budget for the Crusaders game. That really gives a boost to the budget sheet. As a franchise, the only way we can make money is through sponsorship and gate money."
He said the side winning its first three games was one of the main reasons for the increased interest, and people were feeling positive about the Highlanders again.
Clark said they had offered free tickets to Crusaders season-ticket holders and about 600 of them had so far taken up the offer.
He said it was the least the franchise could offer to those members.
"I think a lot of people want to get a weekend away and coming down to Carisbrook to see a big game is a chance to do that.
"We know we've got those 600 people coming down but, anecdotally, we have heard a lot of people are coming from the Canterbury region."
The earlier start time of 5.30pm allowed supporters from outside Dunedin to come to the game and then return home at a decent time.
A Highlanders development team will play the Crusaders Knights at 3pm, followed by a performance from the Feelers.
Clark said people should get to the game early to avoid any last-minute queues.
People rushed to get in just before the Chiefs game, which led to queues.
Clark said there would be extra eftpos machines at the match but it would be better if people had cash for tickets, or bought tickets before the game.
