BLACKCAPS fans can snap up $20 tickets to the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy KFC T20I series against Australia at Bay Oval in October, with NZC announcing a 20-hour Cricket Nation flash-sale from 10am on Wednesday, August 20.
Twenty years on from the retro uniforms and spectacular Beige Brigade-inspired facial hair and hairstyles that so iconically marked the first ever T20 International (which was played at Eden Park between the BLACKCAPS and Australia), NZC is running the limited time promotion to celebrate the format’s success as tickets go on sale for the summer.
The three-game series at Bay Oval in the first week of October (Weds 1st, Fri 3rd, Sat 4th) will also feature limited edition '20 years of T20’ series merchandise and promotions at the match - paying homage to the explosive format that has revolutionised the world game since its humble beginnings in 2005.
NZC Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Glenn Critchley said the trans-Tasman series was sure to be popular.
“We’re delighted to have such an exciting series to kick off the international summer of cricket,” he said.
“Playing our oldest rivals for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy is big enough, but throw in the '20 years of T20’ celebrations and it’s going to be one heck of a party in the Mount.
“The original days of the BLACKCAPS in beige back in the 1980s were embraced on that first night of T20 international cricket at Eden Park in 2005, and this upcoming series is a chance to have some fun reflecting on how the format of the game has become an enormous part of cricket's success in New Zealand and around the world.
“We know the special $20 tickets for the Bay Oval games will be popular so we’re encouraging fans to get organised on Wednesday and ensure they take advantage of the Cricket Nation member 20-hour flash-sale before the allocation is exhausted.
“We’ve already seen demand from Australian supporter groups eager to get across the ditch for the series, so we’re hopeful that Kiwis will get out in force to support the series.
“Instead of a black-out, we’re joining the Kiwi cricket supporters group, the Beige Brigade, in calling for a beige-out of the ground to show support for the BLACKCAPS and this special occasion.”
Beige Brigade co-founder Paul Ford said it was an excellent opportunity for New Zealand cricket supporters to get dressed up as part of a retro extravaganza.
"We've always said it's about passion not fashion and the beige days out at the Mount in October will be a chance for people to put away their conservative cricket-watching attire, let their hair down and have some fun.
"Back in 2005, the bar was set pretty high after we issued a challenge to the BLACKCAPS to get their moustaches and perms out onto the field for the inaugural Eden Park clash.
“We'd love to see some more of those sorts of shenanigans from the players in October this year too. Who has a bouffant to match the iconic lid of Hamish Marshall circa 2025?"
The $20 tickets to the three Chappell-Hadlee Trophy T20Is will be available from 10am Wednesday August 20 until 6am Thursday August 21 or until the match allocation is exhausted, whichever comes first.
