Extraordinary demand for tickets following the Black Ferns’ semi-final victory over France prompted a review of stadium space and the release of seats in the North, West and South stands previously reserved for operational needs.
The extra tickets went on sale at 1800 NZT Tuesday 8 November and were gone within minutes as fans rushed to secure their place at what is set to be an historic first ever women’s Rugby World Cup final in the Southern Hemisphere and the Black Ferns’ first opportunity to defend their title on home soil.
Organisers have put in place additional security and functional measures to cater for the extra capacity, with a record crowd of just over 40,000 expected to cheer the Black Ferns on to what they hope will become their sixth Rugby World Cup victory.
Fans lucky enough to secure a spot in the stands are encouraged to arrive early, with 5,000 poi on offer free to the first through the gates from 1530 NZT.
At half-time of the bronze final, Aotearoa’s iconic Pātea Māori Club will perform their much-loved song Poi E, a tune that has become synonymous with women’s rugby since it was first played at the tournament during opening match day at Eden Park on 8 October.
International award-winning artist BENEE will then take the stage at full-time of the bronze-final and again at half-time of the final. Born and raised in Grey Lynn – a stone’s throw from Eden Park - the performance will be a welcome homecoming for BENEE who first rose to fame when her track Supalonely went viral on TikTok.
The performances will be exclusive in-stadium entertainment offerings for fans, not included on the television coverage.
Those not able to attend in stadium are being urged to tune in live on Three and Spark Sport and host watch parties in their homes, local rugby clubs and neighbourhood pubs, bars & restaurants.
The final will be available live on Spark Sport and free-to-air on Three starting at 1900 NZT on Saturday 12 November.
By the tournament's end, Rugby World Cup 2021 will have attracted over 140,000 fans - the most of any women’s Rugby World Cup - across the three match venues in Auckland and Whangārei and five weeks of competition.
For more information go to rugbyworldcup.com/2021