BATHURST Panthers and the Orange Hawks will play a curtain raiser to this year’s NRL clash at Carrington Park in a move promoters hope will boost local crowd numbers for the big game.
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Tickets to the June 10 clash go on sale to the general public on Thursday after pre-sale tickets were made available to club members on Wednesday.
The Penrith Panthers are returning to Bathurst for the fourth match in a five-year deal with Bathurst Regional Council to bring NRL action to Carrington Park and this year’s match will be a replay of last year’s clash with the Canberra Raiders.
Mayor Graeme Hanger said no National Youth Competition match had been planned for Bathurst this year so the Group 10 clash between Panthers and Hawks would take its place.
“It’s a great opportunity for the local players and hopefully the Group 10 match will also bring in more supporters from Orange who will then stay for the main event,” Cr Hanger said.
Cr Hanger urged Bathurst people to support the NRL clash.
“Cities like Orange, Dubbo and Wagga would love to have this contract with the Panthers,” he said.
“It’s a huge coup for Bathurst in terms of the visitors it attracts and the exposure it generates for the city, but local people also need to get out and support it.”
While previous NRL matches at Carrington Park have kicked off at 3pm, upgraded lights at the venue mean this year’s match will start at the more television-friendly time of 5.30pm.
“Council has invested in a number of upgrades at Carrington Park since last year’s NRL fixture, including the installation of new lighting, a new amenities block, a new LED display screen and a new on ground PA system,” Cr Hanger said.
“Council’s ongoing investment in improving facilities will ensure the long-term success of our relationship with Penrith Panthers.”
The Western Advocate reported last month that negotiations were already under way to extend the current contract with Panthers beyond 2018.
Early bird tickets for the June 10 clash – on sale until May 14 – will start at just $10 for general admission entry for children aged five to 15 and concession tickets.
Grandstand tickets will be $35 until May 14 and $40 after that.
Bathurst Regional Council will again host marquee two functions for well-heeled fans with tickets to cost $150 a head for the silver package and $200 for the gold package.
Tickets will be available through bathurstnrl.com.au.
