KEY POINTS:
Tickets for the 10th anniversary Wellington rugby sevens tournament sold out in under 10 minutes when they went on sale today.
NZI Sevens general manager Steve Walters said 30,000 tickets were pre-sold to season ticket holders, rugby clubs, hospitality partners, schools and volunteers with just 8500 going on sale today.
Those 8500 sold out in under 10 minutes thanks to heavy volumes of internet and phone sales, he said.
The popular tournament runs from February 6-7 next year.
"We still have some tickets available through hospitality packages and travel packages, which include accommodation and things, if you go onto the (sevens) website."
Mr Walters said there were many other events that would "love to be in this position" of high demand.
He warned people not to buy tickets off internet site Trade Me or other scalped tickets because some people were trying to sell counterfeit tickets.
He said last year people travelled to Wellington only to be turned away at the gate when their tickets were found to be fake.
The tickets are printed with a warning that they are not to be onsold.
The sevens tournament is the "biggest weekend in Wellington" and there is plenty on for those who missed out on tickets, Mr Walters said.
The 10th anniversary tournament will "definitely be bigger and better" than previous years, he said.
A concert will be held in Frank Kitts Park on Wellington's waterfront on the Thursday, before the Friday-Saturday tournament.
Parts of Courtenay Place will be closed for a street party on Friday and Saturday nights and Waitangi Day celebrations will be held in Waitangi Park, also on the waterfront.
- NZPA
