Online ballot opens for DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017 Tests

Sep 5 • General News, International • 1509 Views • Comments Off on Online ballot opens for DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017 Tests

Online ballot opens 12pm, Monday 5 September and closes 1 November
Additional entry opportunities for rugby community
Open only to people living in New Zealand via nzlionsseries17.com/tickets

The much-anticipated online ballot for New Zealand rugby fans to apply for the opportunity to purchase tickets to the All Blacks’ three-Test matches featuring in the DHL NZ Lions Series 2017 opens today.

Fans can apply through the online ballot until 1 November. Since demand for tickets to attend one of New Zealand’s biggest events since Rugby World Cup 2011 is expected to far outweigh availability, Test tickets for matches in Auckland (24 June and 8 July) and Wellington (1 July) will be made by a random draw.

The ballot will be drawn in mid-November and is limited to a maximum purchase of four tickets. Test match tickets range in price from $149 to $449 and will only be accessible by those living in New Zealand.

New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew said the Tests offer New Zealanders a chance to enjoy the unique atmosphere that only a Lions series in New Zealand can create.

“The DHL NZ Lions Series Test matches are always fiercely contested and produce an unforgettable atmosphere. The British & Irish Lions won their last series in Australia and we know they will put out a very strong side against our All Blacks,” said Tew.

“We know interest in the DHL Series is high and we believe the ballot system is the most fair and transparent way of ensuring all New Zealanders get a chance to go to a Test. We urge New Zealanders to take up the opportunity to apply, so they can get behind the All Blacks for this once in a generation event.”

The British & Irish Lions will play 10 matches across seven cities from Whangarei to Dunedin. The series gets underway in Whangarei on 3 June 2017 and culminates in Auckland on 8 July when the All Blacks play the third and final Test against the touring side.

In recognising the ongoing support of the rugby community, additional entries into the ballot are available for:
* 2017 Super Rugby Team or 2016 Provincial Union season ticket and/or membership holders
* Registered members of the New Zealand rugby community (e.g. registered players, coaches, referees, administrators or volunteers)
* Members of Team All Blacks (register at TeamAllBlacks.com)
* Tickets purchased for HSBC Wellington Sevens 2017

Tew said it was important to recognise the support of the rugby community and provide additional chances to secure tickets for the Series Tests.

“We’ve had great support across rugby this year with close to 200,000 people getting involved in the game, thousands more committing to their Super Rugby team or Provincial Union and more than 250,000 members of Team All Blacks. An extra chance to secure a Test tickets for the Series is one way we can thank them for that incredible support.”

Tew said while some people had extra entries in the ballot, he said it was important to remember that it was still a ballot and everyone had a chance.

“Rugby fans throughout New Zealand will still have a chance in the ballot. It’s all in the luck of the draw,” he said.