AFL IS JUST THE TICKET:EVERYTHING is falling into place for Wangaratta’s hosting of the NAB Cup match between Essendon and St Kilda on March 3. With tickets going on sale on Monday, Rural City of Wangaratta events coordinator Tanya McAlpin and VCFL area manager John O’Donoghue yesterday took a look at the Showgrounds from the top of the new multipurpose centre, which will be christened for the event.

Preparations shaping up well for city’s NAB Cup match

Written by By SIMONE KERWIN.

FOOTY fans should circle Monday in their diaries, with tickets for Wangaratta’s NAB Cup match between Essendon and St Kilda to go on sale from 9am.

The March 3 game is expected to attract hordes of locals keen to get a taste of AFL action on their doorstep, as well as visitors from outside the region and interstate.

Rural City of Wangaratta events coordinator Tanya McAlpin said organisers hoped to draw a crowd close to the ground’s capacity of 15,000.

"If we can get a few pre-sale tickets, it will really help."

There is no reserved seating for the match, with prices set at $19.50 adult, $13.50 concession, family (two adults and up to four children) $39, children under six free, and children under 15 free with pre-purchased tickets.

A temporary fence will be constructed around the cycle track at the Showgrounds, enabling seating (BYO chairs) on the track just five metres from the action.

Seating in the grandstand will also be available on a ‘first in’ basis, and pricing will be the same for these positions.

Ms McAlpin said accommodation bookings in Wangaratta were flowing in for the weekend, with some hotels already booked out.

Ms McAlpin said a steering committee planning umbrella events to enhance the weekend for locals and visitors was looking at a King Valley Prosecco Road event on the day of the AFL match, and hoped to attract footy fans to the Wangaratta Cup the following day.

It is also hoped members of both teams will be available for other events during the weekend, but the clubs have been unable to commit to any activities at this stage.

Ms McAlpin said works at the ground were progressing well, and AFL representatives were impressed during a recent visit to the venue.

Dennis Backas from Browns Wangaratta, which has been working on the redevelopment, said finishing touches were being applied inside the new building, with the rural city due to start roadworks in coming days.

• Tickets for the March 3 game will be available from the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre on Monday, either online at www.wangarattapac.com.au, or by phone on 57228105 or in person at the box office in Ford Street (Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm).