Ireland fans face up to 40% increase in ticket prices to see New Zealand

Main ticket categories go up €20 from epic meeting in 2013

New Zealand’s Ryan Crotty crosses the line to break Irish hearts during the 2013 autumn  international at the Aviva Stadium. Photograph:   James Crombie/Inpho
New Zealand’s Ryan Crotty crosses the line to break Irish hearts during the 2013 autumn international at the Aviva Stadium. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho

Ireland rugby fans face ticket increases of up to 40 per cent on 2013 prices to see world champions New Zealand in this November’s autumn international series at the Aviva Stadium.

Joe Schmidt's side went close to beating the All Blacks for the first time early in the coach's international tenure in 2013, with Ryan Crotty's last-gasp try and a touchline conversion from outhalf Aaron Cruden helping New Zealand clinch a 24-22 win in Dublin.

Adult ticket prices for that game ranged from €40 for a category four seat to €95 for a seat at premium level. The price range for this year’s game on Saturday November 19th range from €50 to €120, with category one, two and three tickets rising by €20 per ticket from the 2013 price.

The biggest percentage increase comes at category three level, with tickets going up 40 per cent from €50 to €70.

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Ticket prices have also increased for the visit of Australia to the Aviva Stadium on Saturday November 26th.

Ireland beat the Wallabies the last time they played in Dublin in 2014, with tickets priced from €30 in category four to €80 at premium.

This time around supporters will pay between €35 and €100 to see the game, with category one, two and three tickets going up by €15 each.

Ireland also play Canada in the home autumn internationals on Saturday November 12th, with tickets priced between €15 in category four to €50 at premium level, in line with what has been charged in the past for matches against tier two nations.

The IRFU have also announced ticket packages at premium and category one level, with a premium ticket for the New Zealand, Australia and Canada games costing €216 and representing a 20 per cent discount on individual prices, with a category one package costing €168, a similar level of discount.

Clubs can order tickets for the autumn internationals through their provincial branches up until June 30th, while tickets will go on general in mid-June.

Ireland open their November campaign with a game against New Zealand at Chicago’s famed Soldier Field. Tickets for that game are on sale from $33 (€29) up to $267 (€232).

Emmet Riordan

Emmet Riordan

Emmet Riordan is an Irish Times sports journalist