Auckland top of every Rugby fan's list

Fans looking to secure tickets for Rugby World Cup 2011 matches in Auckland when they go on sale next month can rest assured the city will be ready to show them a great time.

Rugby New Zealand 2011 today launched it ticket marketing campaign and fans will be able to apply for tickets for Auckland’s eight pool matches and the Bronze Final from April 27.

With a series of blockbuster pool matches featuring the All Blacks, France, Australia, South Africa, England, Scotland and Ireland, to name but a few, Auckland will be the first choice destination for many.

Auckland’s RWC 2011 spokesperson Michael Barnett says the city is well on track to welcome the 60,000 plus international visitors and you only need to take a quick look around the region to see work charging ahead.

“From Eden Park nearing completion to transport upgrades right around Auckland, we can be confident that each piece of the puzzle will be in place for the opening celebrations on 9 September 2011.”

Tickets for Auckland matches are already in hot demand with 22 of the 44 boxes at Eden Park sold in the first week that corporate hospitality packages went on sale.

Barnett says that fans of the 12 countries confirmed to play in Auckland will be wanting to get their hands on tickets at Eden Park or North Harbour Stadium.

Auckland matches include some of the Tournament’s best clashes such as the All Blacks versus France and Australia taking on Ireland. But Aucklanders will also be able to be a part of the action at matches like Fiji versus Samoa which will feature reasonably priced tickets and an unbeatable festival atmosphere.

“This match will be a fantastic celebration of our Pacific culture and is just one example of how Rugby World Cup 2011 is about much more than just Rugby,” Barnett says.

“I encourage all Aucklanders to get to a game and be part of the exciting festival that will be wrapped around the Tournament.”

Aucklanders who apply for pool match tickets next month will have a chance to secure Eden Park semi-final and Final tickets through the ballot system later this year. It all adds up to an opportunity not to be missed.

As well as the completion of Eden Park’s redevelopment, Auckland is also preparing to welcome guests with major improvements to the city’s transport system including upgrades around Eden Park and on the airport to city route.

Accommodation in the region is also being boosted with two new hotels at the airport, while on the waterfront work has begun on the new Viaduct Events Centre which will be ready for visitors at Tournament time.

RWC 2011 will generate up to $267 million of direct economic benefits for Auckland.