Rush of ticket sales before the Crusaders' sudden shock with the Hurricanes

Crusaders David Havili celebrates a try with his teammates. Crusaders and Sharks Super Rugby Final

Tana Umaga after the Hurricanes lost to the Crusaders in the final Super Rugby 2006 after a game played in a thick fog that darkened the room. 19659006] After slumping the Sharks in the quarterfinals at the AMI Stadium last Saturday night, the Crusaders will host the Hurricanes in the semifinal at the AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

READ MORE:
* Hurricanes to Head to Christchurch Misalign after Encouraging Victory
* Super Rugby Quarterfinal Format Creates Nasty Surprises host clubs
* Super Rugby crowds dwindle, here's why
* Tony Smith: stadium status

The stadium has a capacity of one just over 18,000 people, with an extension holding 1,500 more, and thirteen corporate cabinets.

A spokesman for the Crusaders said that about 13,000 tickets had been sold Thursday night.

Sales for the much-anticipated match were a significant step forward since the last match, when approximately 8,500 spectators attended a night when high winds prevented the big screen from being hoisted.

The sky should clear up Saturday's game with a soft night with high clouds and northwesterly forecasts. Temperatures would plummet as low as 2 degrees Celsius overnight as the crusaders seek their ninth Super Rugby title.

A downpour with a change from the southwest was expected to hit the city on Sunday.

The Hurricanes have won eight of their last 12 encounters with the Crusaders. He was the last team to beat them in Christchurch in July 2016. The Crusaders lost a match in 2017 – at the Wellington Hurricanes

The Hurricanes win would give the Crusaders a Christchurch final for the first time since 2008, when they beat the Waratahs at Lancaster Park.

Crossed CEO Hamish Riach has relentlessly pleaded for a new indoor stadium in Christchurch, insisting that people are fed up with the temporary venue. The low participation rates following two of the Crusaders' biggest games last year – the semi-final against the Chiefs and a quarter-final against the Highlanders – were attributed to rainy weather while the crowds were not responding. expectations to.

Canterbury Rugby The President of the Supporters' Club, Michael Wagteveld, was in agreement and said that a new stadium was "well past". While participation in the games was still "relatively strong", it was time for Christchurch City Council to "put the chip in the ear" and get a new site to encourage future bettors.

Wagteveld, 51, said that he had gone to games sine he was a teenager, attracted by the atmosphere and the opportunity to see him live. While there was still a group of fans, it was becoming less and less accessible and affordable for people who wanted to bring their kids to a unique match.

"There is not enough room, the seats are uncomfortable … [for the stadiums] in Dunedin and Wellington was increased tenfold."

Road closures would be in place to help manage traffic in the area. Jack Hinton Drive would be closed from 5:30 pm. Whiteleigh Avenue would be closed to northbound traffic between Lincoln Rd and Leamington St from half-time. Tickets are available through Ticketdirect.

– Stuff