DEANS ‘TOO COSTLY’
$30 grandstand ticket price at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, is the same price as a grandstand ticket at ANZ Stadium in Suva for Pacific Nations Cup test matches
Parents and fans aiming to watch the 2019 Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union Deans finals are concerned about having to pay $30 for the grandstand seats at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, on Saturday.
The confirmed price for a grandstand seat is $30 and $10 for the embankment for all ages.
Interestingly, the cost of grandstand tickets at the ANZ Stadium in Suva for Pacific Nations Cup test matches is also $30.
A concerned Ratu Kadavulevu School parent Losalini Bolatagici told SUNsports that ticket prices are costly as she is planning on taking seven immediate family members to watch the final this weekend.
“I am really disappointed on the high ticket prices at Lawaqa Park,” Bolatagici said.
“My son plays for the RKS Under-14 side, whom we went to watch play last weekend, where we were charged a standard flat rate ticket price of $30 for the grandstand. “This week my five children, plus my husband and my mother-in-law will be accompanying me to watch my son play in the final. So you can imagine what an expensive affair it will be for me including meals and transportation.
“There are also similar concerns and issues raised by other parents of participating schools on the same matter. We feel it’s high time the organisers make ticket prices more affordable.”
Standard Price: Colati
However, Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union vice-president Biu Colati confirmed the $30 grandstand ticket prices for the 2019 Vodafone Deans grand finals have been the standard price over the years.
“The reason for having such a price for the tickets is because there is an extra cost incurred for hosting such an event, despite having sponsors Vodafone onboard,” Colati said
“We are also responsible for refunding 100 per cent of the transportation costs of the participating schools as well. Also, the cost incurred in paying for officials and referees’ meals, accommodation and transportation for the game day.
“The price of the ticket for the final has always been the same over the years. This is nothing new. We had been having the amount for previous years as well.” Meanwhile, when contacted, major sponsor Vodafone and the Fiji Rugby Union did not wish to comment.
Fiji Sports Council
Fiji Sports Council chief executive officer Litiana Loabuka said: “The Fiji Sports Council is simply the venue provider for such events and ticket prices for these events are determined by the event organisers.” Final Fixtures
U14; Suva Grammar vs RKS; U15; QVS vs RKS
U16; RKS vs QVS; U17; QVS vs Suva Grammar
U18; RKS vs QVS; U19; Ba Provincial Free Bird Institute vs Saint John’s College.