Membership sales at record level

Membership sales have reached record levels since the Vodafone Warriors launched their 2013 packages three weeks ago.

Close to 4000 memberships – excluding corporate packages – have already been sold ahead of tonight’s deadline (11.59pm) for current and new members seeking to take advantage of early-bird pricing.

“The response from both existing and new members has been fantastic,” said Vodafone Warriors head of membership Dan Burton.

“Despite the tough year we’ve just had our members have shown just how loyal, devoted and committed they are to their club. We’re really grateful for the way they’ve stuck with us. They really are true Warriors.”

Burton said the Vodafone Warriors had a total membership base of more than 10,000 this year, broken into 6540 members, more than 2000 corporate members and 1570 away members.

“At the equivalent cut-off stage last year, we had sold a little more 3500 memberships so to be ahead of that number at this stage this year is a tribute to our members,” he said.

All existing and new members signing up by 11.59 tonight have the opportunity to take advantage of substantial savings on gate prices and exclusive members-only benefits. Go to: www.seasonmembers.warriors.co.nz for the full range of membership options and how to sign up.

Burton emphasised this is only stage one of the Vodafone Warriors’ 2013 membership campaign.

“This phase is designed to reward those members who commit early but memberships are available for fans to purchase right up until the start of the season,” he said.

“So to all those people who haven’t signed up yet, become more than fan – become a member.”

It was hoped the 2013 NRL schedule would have been confirmed by today but it had now been delayed until early next week.

The Vodafone Warriors announced last month that they will have a programme of 11 home games plus a match outside Auckland.

Vodafone Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said 10 regular season home games would be played at Mount Smart Stadium with another confirmed for Eden Park early in the campaign.

“The NRL has indicated it wants to see a number of clubs’ games played away from traditional home grounds next year,” he said.

“With this in mind, we’re working with the NRL in assessing a number of options to play our 12th match at a venue either elsewhere in New Zealand or in Australia. A survey of our members earlier this year has also provided really positive support for us hosting a game outside Auckland. This will also provide them with an exciting opportunity for a new membership experience.

“Our home is still Mount Smart Stadium with 10 games scheduled there and, for the third season in a row, we will also play at Eden Park.”

Scurrah said the first two ventures to Eden Park had been hugely beneficial for the club and for the NRL as a whole. The opening round clash against Parramatta in 2011 drew a club record home crowd of 38,412 while this year’s season-opener against Manly – a rematch between the 2011 NRL grand finalists – was watched by the second biggest home crowd of 37,502.

Apart from a draw featuring a game outside Auckland, Scurrah stressed the “really exciting” new feature of the 2013 NRL draw was the fixed schedule (specified dates, venues and kick-off times) for the first 20 rounds of the season with the details for the remaining rounds to be confirmed by round 16.

“It’s going to be fantastic for everyone, especially Vodafone Warriors members, knowing the exact details of the draw for most of the season will be locked and loaded months in advance,” he said.

“For the first time, the guessing will be taken out of planning events around Vodafone Warriors games. Now our highly-valued members can organise their lives with confidence.”

He said the fixed draw would also be helpful in catering for members who wanted to travel to any Vodafone Warriors game elsewhere in New Zealand and in Australia.

“We will work with Air New Zealand on special packages tailored for our members,” he said.

“In addition, the fixed scheduling next year provides an exciting opportunity for Auckland City to now promote visitation for games in the city. It’s especially attractive for our away members who can plan to come to games and help to boost attendances.”

The Vodafone Warriors go into the 2013 season not only with a new head coach in Matthew Elliott but also with four new signings Thomas Leuluai, Dane Nielsen, Todd Lowrie and Dominique Peyroux plus a squad boasting established frontline players Simon Mannering, Manu Vatuvei, Nathan Friend, Feleti Mateo, Jacob Lillyman, Sam Rapira, Jerome Ropati, Ben Matulino, Russell Packer, Elijah Taylor and Shaun Johnson plus emerging youngsters like Ben Henry, Konrad Hurrell and Carlos Tuimavave.

• To renew your Vodafone Warriors membership or to become a member in 2013 go to www.warriors.co.nz for all details about packages and benefits