Makos hope for bumper final crowd [Nelson Mail]
The Tasman Rugby Union is hoping for a crowd in excess of 8000 when the Tasman Makos meet Hawke's Bay in Friday's ITM Cup championship final at Trafalgar Park.
Tasman secured the home final after they beat Southland 49-28 in their Blenheim semifinal on Saturday, with Hawke's Bay outlasting Otago 29-24 yesterday.
Tasman's acting chief executive Les Edwards was hoping for a positive response from Makos supporters and anticipated that tickets would be on sale from midday today.
"If we could double what we got from the semifinal over in Blenheim, that would be terrific - that would be a crowd of about 6-7000," said Mr Edwards. "But obviously, we would love to have a crowd of 8-10,000."
He said that ticket costs were "reasonable" which, for the covered stand, were $25 for adults and $20 concession (pensioners and students), with no free seats for children. Punters will pay $20 (adults), $15 (concession) and $10 (children) for uncovered seating, while the embankment prices were $15 and $10, with children 12 years and under free.
"I'd hope to have tickets on sale by midday today for the whole of the ground, except the covered stand, which I need to hold for 24 hours while I deal with sponsors and season ticket holders," said Mr Edwards. "I hope to have that stand open by about 10am tomorrow."
Ticketing information can be obtained from the union's website at makos.co.nz and the usual outlets.
Apart from hosting three games at the 2011 Rugby World Cup and a number of Super Rugby matches over the years, Friday's final is looming as the biggest occasion in the Tasman union's eight-year history.
"To be able to host an ITM Cup championship final is a huge thing for rugby in the region," said Mr Edwards.
"It's a reward for a lot of effort on and off the paddock over the last eight years. It's especially rewarding for the current group of coaches and players.
"I think it's a terrific opportunity for rugby to be showcased in the region and for young kids to get excited about the game and to want to play it. And I think it's terrific for the union to have this opportunity to build on our financial base."
As for the Makos' build-up, head coach Kieran Keane said they would be sticking to the same routines that have now netted them six consecutive wins. The Makos have recorded nine wins from 11 games so far this season.
"We'll do what we've always done; we'll sit down and have an open and honest discussion and review and we'll go from there," he said.
The two teams have already met in Nelson this season, Tasman winning their sixth round clash 18-9.
Mr Edwards also encouraged Nelson's retailers to get involved.
"I'm hoping we can encourage the CBD to paint itself red and blue. We've already got a couple of shops dressing themselves up... and it'd be great to see the town in a festive mood."
Meanwhile, up to four All Blacks - at present unnamed - will make a flying visit to Nelson on Friday to say thanks for all their support this year ahead of the Air New Zealand European Tour. The players will visit the hospital and help locals paint a mural for the Tasman Makos.
Friday's final kicks off at Trafalgar Park at 7.35pm with gates due to open at 5.30pm.
