Fijian Drua is helping Fiji Secondary Schools Southern Zone rugby establish an online ticketing platform to boost revenue.
Southern Zone president Rusiate Wadali confirmed that this platform will be used for the finals at HFC Bank Stadium on July 20.
Drua’s ticketing and membership manager, Biu Tadranu, stated, “This is based on our understanding of the past two seasons as it has a way to elevate competition or events to another level. We are fortunate to bring this system down to assist the Fiji Secondary School Southern Zone; we have many targets.”
Tadranu mentioned that the Fijian Drua franchise used online ticketing from February to June during the Super Rugby Pacific season. “Drua launched all their ticket sales last year in December, so the system is inactive for about six to seven months. This is such a big investment on our part that nobody else has in Fiji, and since Drua is not using it for six months, it can be used to help schools rugby.”
The online ticketing platform was also used during the NRL pre-season match between Melbourne Storm and Newcastle Knights at Churchill Park in Lautoka on February 24 this year. “As long as you have a smartphone and data, an individual can buy tickets,” he said. “The platform can also expand one’s fan base; there will be thousands of students, family members, and old-scholars since online ticketing can reach a huge local and international audience.”
Fijians abroad can send money to their families to purchase tickets through online purchasing apps like M-PAiSA. “People from overseas can purchase tickets for their family members in Fiji with just the press of a button. We are targeting the Coke Games, Deans, and Fiji rugby domestic competitions. I’m definitely excited about this partnership; the committee will see the difference. We might be talking about the commercial side of things, but it’s crucial for any organization or sports team to have the commercial backing.”
Tadranu emphasized that an online ticketing approach promotes the progress of sports. “This is what we (Fijian Drua) do to help Fiji as a team to progress together.”
Tadranu hopes to extend the online ticketing platform to other sports as well.