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Blues boss blames lack of financial support for overpriced tickets to Samoa's first Super Rugby match

Locals show their support for the Blues. [photo:  PHIL WALTER/GETTY IMAGES  via Stuff NZ]

Blues chief executive Michael Redman has laid the blame for expensive ticket prices to Samoa's first Super Rugby game at the feet of the small Apia venue and lack of collective revenue streams.

The Blues' 34-29 win over the Reds last Friday was billed as a historic event with Apia Park hosting its first Super Rugby match under lights.

Instead of being a memorable occasion, the match fell flat. It was overshadowed by a less than half full stadium along with lingering resentment from locals who felt the Blues set ticket prices at exorbitant levels.

Ticket prices ranged from $15 for general admission through to $250 at the corporate end. The minimum wage in Samoa is less than $2 per-hour.

It is understood the match cost the Blues around $750,000 to put on, including $300,000 for the use of high definition equipment for Sky Television.

While the Reds spent five days in Samoa promoting the match, the Blues arrived one day prior.

Redman admitted prices were set too high but said in future the Blues would need more investment to make the venture worthwhile. The Blues did receive some support from Samoan Tourism. 

"The ticket prices were set with a number of parties involved," Redman told Stuff. "They were benchmarked against the All Blacks and Manu Samoa test and the Joseph Parker fight but in the end we accept some of those categories were expensive. But a feature for us was the lowest price category didn't sell.

"The model needs to change in terms of the funding provided by government and commercial partners to shift that burden of costs away from the gate.

Read more at Stuff NZ