Fans frustrated by ticket glitch for rugby final

The Waikato Rugby Union is not happy with its ticketing agency after huge demand for the final of Air New Zealand Cup exposed weaknesses in Ticketmaster's ability to cope with online sales yesterday.

Tickets to the Waikato versus Wellington match went on sale to the general public at 9am yesterday, and by 3pm the union had sold 18,752 tickets - with just 7000 tickets left to sell.

But a botch-up with some internet sales has inconvenienced an unknown number of rugby fans.

Those who chose to order their tickets through the Ticketfast system, which allows people to print their tickets from their home or business, found the system was flawed.

After choosing the option to print tickets, people waited up to nine hours before being told they would have to physically visit an agency to pick their entry passes up.

An email response to frustrated fans said: "We are having a slight problem with our Ticketfast delivery due to the volume of tickets being booked for the final at Waikato Stadium this Saturday.

"We encourage to choose to 'venue pick up' your tickets which you can do so Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or from 9am on the day of the game."

Waikato rugby union marketing manager Pat Mellsop said he did not expect an international ticketing agency to drop the ball at what was the most important time of the year for gate sales.

He would be seeking answers from Ticketmaster management today, he said.

"We're the only union that offers this service, using one of the biggest international ticketing agencies in the world in Ticketmaster. We're never happy when our ticket system slows down or breaks down at the peak of the season."

Mr Mellsop said the final was not yet sold out, but he felt there would be no tickets available by Saturday evening for "walk up" fans.