NRL: Nines prices set to plummet

Organisers are also encouraging families to attend, with half-price kids' tickets available in every category from bronze up. Photo / Photosport

The 2016 Auckland Nines event could again become the hottest ticket in town after organisers dropped entry prices.

Ticket prices for the tournament, which features all 16 NRL teams and boasts more than $2.6 million in prize money, have been cut by a third in most categories.

It means that the cheapest two-day adult pass will be available for $69. The event will be staged on Waitangi Weekend, Saturday February 6 and Sunday February 7. Tickets will go on sale on August 20.

The Herald on Sunday understands that gold level tickets have been cut from $303 to $199 and silver level prices have reduced from $203 to $149.

Tickets in the bronze category will cost $99 - they were $153 at this year's tournament - and seats in the green category will sell at $69, down from $99.

Organisers are also encouraging families to attend, with half-price kids' tickets available in every category from bronze up.

The new prices are similar to those in 2014 when sellout crowds of 45,000 packed Eden Park on both days of the tournament.

Attendances dipped this year, down to just above 40,000.

An earlier January date and the Cricket World Cup were partly blamed.

"With every event there is a settling in period," Duco Events director David Higgins said. "We've done surveys and listened to feedback and we have tinkered with the prices accordingly.

"We believe we have a compelling offering, with more than 18 hours of entertainment across two days - but we don't want price to be an impediment to people attending one of the biggest events on the calendar."

Having a full house at Eden Park again will help Auckland's case to keep the event, after the Herald on Sunday reported this year that Brisbane and Melbourne were keen to secure the Nines.

Promoters Duco and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development have a five-year deal with the NRL to host the tourment.

Next year's event will be the third in the contract.