The second of the Rugby League Ashes Tests scheduled for this autumn has sold out, with all remaining tickets snapped up inside an hour of going on general sale earlier today (Monday).
Hosted at the new Everton Stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock, more than 50,000 spectators are expected to be in attendance for the second Test match of three between England and Australia.
The officially named ABK Beer Ashes Series was first announced last month, with the opening game taking place at Wembley Stadium in London on October 25, followed by Everton Stadium on November 1, and AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium on November 8.
The third Test at Headingley – the home of Super League club Leeds Rhinos – saw tickets sell out in the priority window.
This means that if fans would like to watch the ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes live, they would have to purchase tickets for Wembley Stadium. Tickets remain available in all price categories, from £30 (€35/$40) for adults and £15 for those under 16. However, the lower bowl is selling out particularly quickly.
Additionally, Rugby League Commercial noted that hospitality offerings were sold out for Headingley, but a limited number of places remain for Everton and Wembley.
“The excitement around the return of the Rugby League Ashes has been building for months, and to have already sold out two of the three matches is a huge boost to the sport,” said Rhodri Jones, Rugby League Commercial’s managing director.
“It has been a pleasure working with the staff at all three venues to deliver such an outstanding result. The Second Test at the new Everton Stadium will have an attendance of more than 50,000, which will be the biggest for an Ashes Test since 1994.
“We’re excited about the prospect of taking the first non-football event to such a superb new stadium, and also about taking an Ashes Test to Headingley for the first time since 1982 – in each case in front of a full house.”
Jones added: “We’re equally pleased with the speed at which tickets are selling for the First Test at Wembley Stadium. Mal Meninga and his Australia team are excited by the prospect of playing at Wembley, but we want Shaun Wane and his England team to have the support of a packed and passionate crowd for the first Ashes Test in this country since 2003.
“With more than six months to go, we are well on course for that.”