Stadium sweetens the deal as season tickets, suites go on sale

WITH the onset of rugby season – and the promise of a major international test confirmed – the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium management have moved to offer season tickets and exclusive suites at a steal.

According to the Stadium, 2014’s best sporting action in the Bay is on offer either from the exciting stands or from the comfortable suites. This includes a line-up of EP Kings clashes against top franchises, the possible inclusion of Currie Cup premier division on-field battles, an international rugby test, the Cell C NMB 7s tournament, concerts and soccer matches.

“We are inviting the public to be part of the experience of nurturing and keeping sport alive in our city and building a strong camaraderie and support for sporting codes in South Africa,” said Access Management chief executive, Chantal Du Pisani.

“Already the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium has an action-packed year ahead – and, pending announcements by SARU, the very real possibility of Premier Division Currie Cup rugby. There is quite a dynamic rugby calendar between now and 2016 when it is anticipated that the Southern Kings will re-enter Super Rugby.”

Although a delay in the South African Rugby Union (SARU) decision regarding the expansion of the ABSA Currie Cup tournament, the events calendar looks promising.

The 2014 rugby calendar at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium includes:

• Springbok Test match (Springbok test match against Scotland);
• Three Super Rugby friendlies: Stormers (07 Feb), Sharks and Bulls;
• Either ABSA Currie Cup First Division; or seven Premier Division matches against the top local teams;
• Selected Vodacom Cup matches;
• Kings playoff matches and possible promotion relegation matches- dependent on outcome of SARU vote; and
• Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay 7s 2014.

Season tickets are R1250 (package A) for the year’s scheduled games and should the Currie Cup fixtures be decided in EP Rugby’s favour, an additional R525 (package B) will get fans a minimum of seven extra games.

“We are even offering a 20% discount on package B (Currie Cup addition) if fans have bought package A. The real objective is to create hype around sporting activities and show South Africa that rugby enjoys enormous support in Nelson Mandela Bay,” said Jaco Du Plessis, Stadium marketing manager.

City business has thrown their weight behind the season tickets offer, including the Boardwalk Casino, Entertainment and Conference Centre, Footballer and Sports, Gio’s Café, Williams Hunt Delta, Nutritech, McDonalds, and Good Fellas, all offering added value.

The stadium season ticket holders also get lounge exclusivity, season parking, Kings Army membership, and preferential booking status for other stadium events.

“Let the games begin,” added Du Pisani. “And we will continue to lobby to bring the best sporting experience to Nelson Mandela Bay by providing tailor made packages to ensure the most memorable sporting fixtures again and again.”