For 12 long years South African’s of all ages, genders and races have waited for the opportunity to watch the Springboks take their revenge on the British and Irish Lions live. However, in order to hold a Test match between the world champs and the Lions, stadiums had to agree to sell 40% of their seats to Lions supporters. (This is the main reason why their was no Test at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town) The ticket prices are also extortionately highly priced, on Average £95 (R1114) which is almost three times the price of a Tri-Nations match.
If you have ever been to a rugby match at any level in the Rainbow Nation you will understand its importance to our community. In no other place do peoples of all colours, creeds and financial backgrounds stand as one, in one stadium, united under the only two colours that really matter Green and Gold. Top Lawyers and Bankers sit next too Plumbers and Garden boys and for that 80minutes they are brothers. So why I ask have the prices been set so that only the upper class can enjoy the game that brought our great nation together. Horrifically, the British and Irish RFU have stated that they had no say in the ticket prices for this tour; rather that SA Rugby set the prices. However SA Rugby may have learned their lesson as last weeks test at ABSA Park in Durban was not sold out, as this is the most important tournament bar the World Cup you would think people would pay more than usual tickets, but these prices are outrageous. We are not a rich country and SA Rugby has just segregated our rugby community for the first time in decades they should be ashamed. Last week we saw half the stadium packed out in Red, almost out weighing the home support. While I’m all for bringing out the tourist support and showing them a great time, the people who fill the stands of the “Shark Tank” (ABSA stadium Durban), Loftus Versfeld and Ellis Park week after week to support their respective Vodacom cup, Currie cup, Super 14 teams and of course the Boks themselves deserve to be at these games. END OF STORY.
MM
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR BLOG BY CLICKING ON ADVERTS
No comments:
Post a Comment