Rain dismissed, footy fans fizzed
A dreary weather forecast hasn’t dampened footy fans’ excitement ahead of tonight’s Super Rugby transtasman final at Eden Park.
More than 28,500 tickets have been sold for the clash, which will pit home team the Blues against the Dunedin-based Highlanders.
Rugby officials are hoping at least 35,000 will pack the stands; just 7000 shy of Eden Park’s 42,000 capacity.
MetService has forecast heavy rain and thunderstorms in the Auckland region during the final.
Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner said it was great to see fans seeking out live sport and supporting their teams. “We are looking forward to welcoming fans tomorrow to celebrate live sport and cheer on the Blues as they face the Highlanders in this historic Super Rugby final.”
A Blues spokesperson said they were pleased with the ticket sales for the game so far and that the numbers were fantastic for a night game in winter. The Blues are appearing for the first final in 18 years, and the Highlanders are striving for their second title after claiming their maiden Super Rugby championship in 2015.
In the lead-up to the final, the Blues have been rallying support with the Turn Everything Blue and Who Loves Blue the Most campaign.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff posted a photo of himself in a Blues rugby jersey on social media rallying support and the Harbour Bridge and Sky Tower have been lit up blue in the nights leading up to the game.
Before the match there will be Little Blues player games with halftime entertainment from Kings.
Eden Park encourages anyone attending the game to bundle up and to arrive early to avoid queuing in the rain.
Travel is included with match tickets and Auckland Transport encourages rugby fans to plan ahead with AT’s match-specific timetable.