Tickets for the 2010 NZI Sevens in Wellington sold out online in just three minutes earlier today.
All of the tickets made available for public purchase to the third event on the IRB Sevens World Series were snapped up in the new record time, a significant improvement on last year's mark of 10 minutes.
Inevitably, many fans will be disappointed at not securing tickets for the event with demand far outstripping supply, but organisers are confident that large numbers will still travel to New Zealand's capital to sample the unique atmosphere fostered by the giant event.
"Although tickets may have sold out this morning, we hope fans will see there are still a number of ways to embrace the 2010 NZI Sevens," said NZI Sevens General Manager Steve Walters.
Those who missed out are encouraged to sign up to the e-newsletter at
www.nzisevens.co.nz, which keeps fans updated with the latest news and ticket competitions. Hospitality and travel packages are also available.
"It's a great tribute to the tournament that fans continue to love the great sports and entertainment event we have here in Wellington," added Walters.
"The 2009 tournament showed many fans will venture into Wellington even without a ticket. With the street parade, big screens in the city centre and many events going on, visitors and Wellingtonians continue to embrace the excitement and atmosphere that the event creates."
The NZI Sevens will be held at Westpac Stadium on 5-6 February 2010 with England defending the title for the first time.
Rugby Sevens faces a massive two weeks in the run-up to the IOC vote in Copenhagen on 9 October, when it will be decided whether the sport will be admitted to the 2016 Olympic Games.
