Ticket Sales Run Rampant for All Blacks Game

The ticketing systems for September’s All Blacks game in New Plymouth were operational by lunchtime, after early problems prevented people from securing their seats.

Tickets went on sale this morning for the 3 September match against Manu Samoa at Yarrow Stadium, but people trying to book through TicketDirect’s website or phone number or through sales outlets could not make any purchases for most of the morning.

TicketDirect Managing Director Matt Davey apologises to everyone who was inconvenienced by the disruption.

“Due to factors outside of our control, we were not able to achieve proper data communications between some of our national sales outlets for a period of two hours this morning,” he says.

“With the help of our local venue partner New Plymouth District Council, we were able to quickly work around the problem and restore the full flow of ticket sales, which are now proceeding apace.

“We are still investigating the cause of the original issue.”

NPDC Manager Recreation and Events Paul Nisbet says there was a very long queue outside TSB Showplace this morning until the ticketing system got up and running. “Due to these unforeseen circumstances the monitoring of parking meters was minimal during the period, as this was a concern of many of those lining up for tickets, and we put on some coffee for those waiting in line,” he says.

“The TSB Showplace staff have done a magnificent job handling the demand, but we were relieved when the online and telephone booking systems began operating!

“The interest in the match has been incredible and vindicates the hard work of everyone who was involved in getting this test match to New Plymouth.”

Taranaki Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Mark Robinson says the game has proved immensely popular with all the covered stands sold out. However, there are still general admission and terrace seats available.