PHOTO: Go Media Stadium. Lynne Cameron / www.photosport.nz
If you were hoping to catch one of the final Warriors home games this season and haven’t secured a ticket, you’re out of luck. The Warriors announced on Monday that they have become the first team in NRL history to sell out every home game in a season.
The Warriors achieved a perfect record, selling out all 10 games at Go Media Mt Smart Stadium this year, plus their home game against Canberra in Christchurch. The average crowd size at Mt Smart Stadium this season is 23,684, the third highest in the league behind the Broncos and Roosters, who play in larger venues.
This achievement is not only a first for an NRL club but also believed to be a first for any New Zealand sports franchise.
“It’s an unbelievable achievement and one we’re very proud of,” said Warriors chief executive Cameron George. “Most of all, this is a tribute to our members and fans who have supported the team and the club all the way. They are the heroes here, simply the best fans there are.”
Friday night’s match against the Eels sold out on Monday morning, and the last tickets for the game against Canterbury Bankstown were snapped up on Sunday, almost four weeks before the game on 23 August.
Coach Andrew Webster praised the fans, highlighting the ovation for kicker Chanel Harris-Tavita during Friday night’s 28-16 victory over the Tigers.
“The fans’ knowledge of the game, like Chanel’s kick on the weekend, and how much they supported him, is incredible. They had his back, and I love that,” Webster said. “Last year, after losing four in a row, we returned home to a sold-out game. This year, we haven’t achieved our on-field goals yet, but the fans have remained loyal.”
Despite the positive news about attendance, the Warriors face a tough challenge to make the playoffs again this season. Another loss could jeopardize their playoff hopes with six rounds remaining.
SOURCE: RNZ