Sevens tickets go on sale
The party will be bigger for the 2019 Hamilton Sevens.
The New Zealand leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series will return to Hamilton on January 26 and 27, 2019, and tickets go on sale at midday today.
The R18 amber party zone was in demand this year, so organisers have added another 3000 seats.
‘‘We’re making the party bigger,’’ 37 South managing director and HSBC New Zealand Sevens partner Dallas Fisher said.
Amber area partiers can also buy a VIP ticket to have access to a special bar, seating area and food.
That gives them the option of joining the carnival atmosphere on Mill Street or chilling in their own area, Fisher said.
The family area is moving to Willoughby Park and growing, based on fan feedback that it needed to cater for older kids.
Dodgems and a flying dragon ride will be some of the entertainment included, all covered by the ticket price.
Fans also surprised the organisers in 2018 by arriving at the stadium earlier than expected, so gate configurations will change to get people in faster.
Changes were based on feedback from 2000 fan feedback forms, Fisher said.
‘‘We can’t stand still. People have got to have confidence that there are going to be some great things but there are also going to be some new things.’’
That goes right down to the cocktail flavours – he’s planning to make sure they change for 2019.
But organisers want to keep something like the display that freestyle motocross rider Levi Sherwood put on, as it proved a popular fixture.
They also want to retain the DJs and even bring some live music into the amber area on Mill Street.
‘‘This year’s sell-out event was a big success, but you can always do better,’’ New Zealand Sevens general manager Steve Dunbar said.
‘‘We’ve listened to the fans and are confident their experience will be even more enjoyable than the inaugural event.’’
Tickets to the 2019 event go on sale today and the first tier will be at 2018 prices. That means two-day adult passes start from $87 and kids 14 and under are $7 a day. To access those tickets, fans must sign up at sevens.co.nz.
There are a limited number of tickets in each price category including allocated seating in the Blue Zone (Brian Perry Stand), general admission in the Amber Zone (R18 seating in the WEL Networks Stand and standing in the Green Zone), a picnic area in the Family Zone (Green Zone, grass embankment), and general admission seating in the White Zone (goal line, alcohol free).
‘‘We’ve listened to the fans and are confident their experience will be even more enjoyable than the inaugural event.’’
Dallas Fisher