The ballot applications for rugby match tickets between SA “A” and the British & Irish Lions at Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday July 14, 2021, close next Wednesday at midnight.

Lowvelders have six days to enter.

The eight-match tour, which kicks off in Cape Town on July 3, 2021, stretches across six cities over five weeks.

The ticket prices are set to make them attractive to South Africans, from as little as R100 for a midweek ticket, while the cheapest Test match one is priced at R500.

Registrants can login to https://www.lionstour2021.co.za and select tickets for all eight matches, to a maximum of eight tickets per match.

Applications will close at 23:59 on Wednesday September 16, with all successful applicants being notified at the end of the month.

South Africa has the majority ticket allocation and citizens will have access to an affordable pricing tier structure.

ALSO READ: Phakisa Pumas resume with contact training

Prices for matches against the DHL Stormers at Cape Town Stadium, the Cell C Sharks at Jonsson Kings Park and the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld range in price from R250 to R600. Those for midweek matches against an SA Invitational team in Port Elizabeth and against SA “A” at Mbombela Stadium are even cheaper, ranging from only R100 to R350.

The cheapest Test match ticket is R500 – less than the price of a ticket to a 2019 Springbok Test – and increases to R1 250 and R2 000 to the top-priced option of R3 000.

SA Rugby CEO, Jurie Roux emphasised that it was critical for South Africans to note that there was only one route to secure tickets – by entering the ballot on https://www.lionstour2021.co.za.

They will not be available at match venues, through provincial unions or at the usual retail outlets and if anyone answered an online advertisement for Lions tickets, they are in danger of being defrauded, exploited and left ticketless.

“There is massive interest in the tour and we expect it to be a hugely popular occasion,” said Roux. Over 70 000 South Africans have registered for the tour, and in excess of 210 000 tickets already balloted for.

“But this is a ballot and even though the interest may be higher than the demand for tickets at some matches, it doesn’t mean those encounters are sold out – anyone can still register, ballot and get tickets,” added Roux.

The ticket ballot process is as follows:

• Registrants will be able to login to https://www.lionstour2021.co.za.
• South African residents can select tickets for all eight matches, to a maximum of eight tickets per match.
• The draw will take place via a computerised selection process.
• All registered users will be advised via email whether they have been successful on September 25.
• Payment will automatically take place on the credit card used for submitting your ballot application on September 28.
• Seat allocation and tickets dispatch (courier or electronic) will take place in the second quarter of 2021.
• Hospitality packages are available for all matches, ranging in price from R2 495 (excl. VAT) for a midweek game to R8 995 (excl. VAT) for a Test match. Those interested should email hospitality@sarugbyevents.co.za.