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Robbie Fruean in action. - Source: Photosport -
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The financially crippled Crusaders have refused to lift ticket prices.
Having posted a loss of almost $700,000 last year after AMI Stadium was damaged in the February 22 earthquake, the franchise must mop up every dollar to start repaying the $800,000 loan given by the New Zealand Rugby Union.
With the new Christchurch Stadium in Addington projected to cater for just 17,000 fans, 22,000 less than the capacity of AMI, the Crusaders must again budget for reduced gate takings.
Forced to play all matches out of Christchurch last year, a drop in ticket sales had a dire impact on their financial situation.
Traditionally there has been a surge of interest in Super matches following World Cup tournaments, yet chief executive Hamish Riach said the Crusaders were content to resist lifting prices to exploit the expected demand.
"We could have done that but we didn't want to be greedy this year around the new alternative venue.
"We wanted people to feel good about coming," he said.
Season tickets for all Crusaders and Canterbury matches will go on public sale today.
The cheapest season pass for seven Crusaders regular season matches and five Canterbury games will cost $162.50.
It also gives the passholder the right to buy a ticket for the All Blacks-Ireland test on June 16.
Although the NZRU, which is trying to sell licences in four of its franchises, had to loan $800,000 because it effectively owns the Crusaders - there is still an obligation to repay the amount, Riach said.
"They loaned us that money with no term and a very competitive interest rate.
"They were there to support us in our darkest hour and we are immensely grateful," he said.
A $300,000 loan from the Canterbury Rugby Football Union has been repaid.
The size of the financial hit suffered by the CRFU last season, after it transferred its matches to Rugby Park, will be revealed at the annual meeting later this month.
Riach acknowledged the Crusaders will probably have to sell out every match to return a profit.
Additional gate-takings from playoff matches will be welcomed, although they will have to pay six-figure sums to the visiting teams if the matches are staged in Christchurch.
"We are hopeful of selling every game or getting close to that," Riach confirmed.
"If it gets to the point where we make even a small profit, I would be the happiest man in New Zealand."
Riach remained upbeat about the support received from their commercial partners, despite the earthquakes having a severe effect on the local economy.
But he admitted the Crusaders were now dealing with a "different commercial picture".
The Economic Development Ministry, which is managing the stadium's construction, has completed the demolition of the old stands and the ground improvements have been made to prepare the site for buildings along with foundations for the lighting towers.
The time frame to get the stadium ready for the first home match, against the Cheetahs on March 24, appears tight, yet Riach said he had been told it should be ready.
"All the feedback we are getting is extremely positive and we have been told the construction will be completed on time."
