Hottest tickets in town

Hamilton Sevens tickets have all sold out.

FMG Stadium Waikato’s 23,600 seats will be at capacity from February 3-4 for the New Zealand leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

Hamilton is to host the tournament for the first time after it moved from Wellington due to low ticket sales.

The tournament was always on track to sell out, with two-thirds of tickets sold during pre-sale.

New Zealand Sevens general manager Steve Dunbar said Sevens is the hottest ticket for summer in Hamilton.

‘‘It’s no secret the tournament struggled over the last couple of years, but the move to Hamilton has clearly revitalised what remains a premier global Sevens event, and we can’t wait for kickoff in 100 days’ time.’’

Along with a family area there will be an R18 party area, fenced off for ticket holders to enjoy, as well as an opportunity to watch players prepare for their games in the ‘‘warm-up zone’’.

Managing director of 37 South events and event organiser Dallas Fisher said he was proud of Hamilton for backing it and for the rest of New Zealand for supporting it.

More than 40 per cent of ticket sales were from outside Hamilton, so the city will be flush with visitors over the weekend.

Fisher said the local economy – tourism, accommodation, retail, hospitality and transport services will benefit.

‘‘Right now our focus is on delivering and putting on the most fun people have ever had,’’ he said.

‘‘It is a huge operation and we should be proud it is happening in our city alongside the huge economic windfall it promises to bring.’’

Former NZ Sevens player and All Black Eric Rush said it was time for a change in scenery for the New Zealand leg.

He has his Sevens tickets and said it’s great Hamilton is close to Auckland, so he can drive down.

‘‘Wellington was awesome back in the day when I played. Tickets sold out in five, 10 minutes and it was brilliant.

‘‘But it needed a change, to get that vibe back, it was time. We needed to put our best foot forward and Hamilton has clearly accepted that already.’’

He believes the players will love the new location and atmosphere.

‘‘As long as that stadium’s full, they’re [players] going to love it.’’