Friday night’s historic Test match between the VB Kangaroos and New Zealand at Melbourne’s AAMI Park has sold out.
The reigning Four Nations Champions, Australia, and World Champions, New Zealand, will open Australia’s newest sporting stadium in front of a 30,000-strong crowd.
Less than 1,000 tickets to the VB Test were available heading into the weekend, with fans spurred on by yesterday’s team announcements snapping up the last few remaining tickets this morning.
“The response to the VB Test has been outstanding,” ARL Chairman, Mr Colin Love AM, said.
“The support of the Melbourne sporting public to representative Rugby League including State of Origin and World Cup matches underlines the passion of Victorian sports fans.
“The Victorian Government is to be congratulated for the construction of a state-of-the-art sporting facility in AAMI Park and Rugby League is proud to feature in the stadium’s official opening.
“The fans are in for a great match and given the rectangular design of the stadium, the best atmosphere they could hope for at a Rugby League game.”
The VB Test is a highlight of an exciting package of Rugby League events secured for Melbourne including a Four Nations Test between Australia and England in October and Game One of the 2012 Harvey Norman State of Origin Series.
“Victorians love their sport and AAMI Park is a great addition to Melbourne’s first-class network of sporting infrastructure, that reaffirms us as the sporting capital of the world,” Victorian Sports Minister, Mr James Merlino said today.
“Our multi-million dollar stadium is something all Victorian sports fans will be proud of and it is a fantastic achievement to sell out the new state-of-the-art venue on its opening night.
“There’s no question that a rectangular pitch has been the missing link in our world-famous network of sporting infrastructure in Melbourne – and the blockbuster trans-Tasman test between the Aussies and the Kiwis will open the stadium in style.
“AAMI Park will set a new Australian benchmark for rugby league, rugby union and soccer.”
The VB Test is one of two Rugby League matches featured in AAMI Park’s opening weekend, with the Melbourne Storm to play the Brisbane Broncos at the stadium this Sunday, May 9.
While tickets for the Storm’s opening game at their new home ground have only been on sale since last Thursday, sales have been strong and fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance.
“Nobody could ever deny the passion of Melbourne Storm fans and they have deserved for a long time to be at a venue like this,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said.
“This is the start of a whole new set of opportunities for the Storm and Rugby League in Victoria.”
Gates at AAMI Park this Friday (May 7) open at 6:00pm, with the VB Test between the VB Kangaroos and New Zealand kicking off at 8:10pm.
Fans are urged to arrive early and plan their trip ahead at www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au
The VB Test will also be broadcast on the Nine Network (live in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne).
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