COLLINGWOOD chief executive Gary Pert is predicting a capacity Aurora Stadium next month when the AFL powerhouse rolls into Launceston for a much-anticipated NAB Challenge match against reigning AFL premier Hawthorn.
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The two most supported clubs in the AFL have plenty of supporters in Tasmania, and Pert said indications were that the NAB Challenge match-up would be a blockbuster.
‘‘We’re hearing from the AFL that it could fill up the capacity of the stadium, which is over 20,000,’’ Pert said.
‘‘We are very excited about coming to Tasmania because it is something we have been planning for the past two or three years.
‘‘We’ve had supporter groups in Tassie emailing us and constantly telling us that they’d love us to come down, so we’ve worked with the AFL to do a preseason game.’’
Pert said Magpies supporters could expect to see not just the players but ‘‘the whole Collingwood operation’’ roll into town.
‘‘We are bringing down our merchandise and membership teams for our fans to access, and we have planned a family day so supporters can come and meet the players and get photos and autographs and do all those things they don’t usually get to do because we are not there all the time,’’ he said.
‘‘We’re really making this a big event with a corporate function and luncheon on game day, just as we would have in Melbourne.’’
The Magpies yesterday released details of a new $60 membership package ahead of the NAB Challenge game that includes a specially inscribed Tasmanian members scarf.
It includes exclusive access for members to upgrade from general admission entry to reserved seats for the match via a Tasmanian insiders members presale on January 27.
Information is available on the club website.
‘‘We want to make sure the stadium is full of Collingwood people and we want to ensure our Tasmanian-based members and supporters don’t miss out on tickets,’’ Pert said.
The February 26 match will be the first time Collingwood has played in Tasmania since 2001.
Tickets go on sale for AFL and club members on January 28 and the general public on January 29.