A Dunedin family says ticket pricing for the All Blacks-South Africa test in September has put the game out of reach for them and many others in Otago.
Dunedin rugby follower Dianne Angus said her family had been long-time season ticket holders and the cost for her, her husband and two secondary school-aged sons to go to the game would be about $610.
The least expensive tickets for sale were in category C, at the ends of the ground, at a cost of $90 for adults and $45 for children, the only child option.
In category B, tickets are $110, and category A $150 each.
Service and delivery fees are in addition to these prices.
The prices make Forsyth Barr Stadium one of the most expensive venues for All Black tests.
Prices at Eden Park are between $80 and $160. Waikato Stadium is charging between $37.50 and $137.50 for adults, and as little as $21.50 for children (goal-line terrace) to watch the All Blacks play Ireland.
Prices for seats at the All Blacks-Argentina game at Westpac Stadium, in Wellington, are between $75 and $135.
Christchurch Stadium is charging between $70 and $130 for adults, and $25 to $45 for children, to watch the All Blacks play Ireland.
Angus said the price at Forsyth Barr Stadium had become prohibitive.
"We won't be going. We've got a lot of other things we can do with $610.
"We've got Sky TV. The atmosphere won't be as good, but it's not worth that kind of money.
"The ticket prices are so much higher than what they used to be at Carisbrook."
Angus believed few Dunedin residents would be at the game, given the prices.
"Certainly not families. It will be mainly people from out of town, the NZRU and tour groups," she said.
Tickets become available to the public south of the Waitaki from June 25, and generally from July 2.
New Zealand Rugby Union marketing and relationships manager Todd Barberel said many of the prices listed were not comprehensive and did not include children's tickets, which ranged from $25-$50 each.
He noted other venues had covered and uncovered seating which would be subject to the elements, and Forsyth Barr Stadium was all under cover.
"We think these ticket prices are fair and appropriate for an international test rugby fixture with two of the best teams in the world.
"The prices are comparable with similar fixtures at other New Zealand venues during the Investec Rugby Championship."
When setting ticket prices for an All Blacks test match, Barberel said several factors were taken into consideration.
They include the recommended prices from the local provincial union - in this case, Dunedin Venues Management Limited - the venue's capacity, the opposition, and ticket pricing of other matches in the series.
"Dunedin now boasts a world-class covered stadium, and we're really looking forward to bringing the world champion All Blacks there," he said.
