WELLINGTON, 8 September 2004 — The British and Irish Lions have agreed to play an extra match in their three Test tour of New Zealand next year, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) said yesterday. The news came as the union unveiled a ballot for tickets for what deputy chief executive Steve Tew described as one of the biggest sporting events seen in New Zealand.
Some supporters will have to pay up to NZ$300 ($195) for Test tickets as an estimated 150,000 tickets are to be made available via ballot for the eight-match, three-Test series. Tew said the union wanted a fair, balanced and transparent system that gave everyone the chance to see the Lions play.
“We expect that demand will far outweigh supply and by holding a ballot, we’re giving everyone the chance to buy a ticket,” he said.
The NZRU expects to make an around NZ$10 million ($6.5 million) profit on the tour starting June 4.
Tourism New Zealand said the tour was expected to attract up to 15,000 English visitors who could bring in more than 50 million dollars in foreign exchange. Accommodation at the venues is already sold out.
For the extra match the Lions have agreed to play Auckland.
