By David Byrne<\/p>\n
UL Students\u2019 Union (ULSU) are now selling Munster Rugby match tickets for the 2016\/2017 season. Individual match day tickets are available, as well as season tickets which cover any eight games.<\/p>\n
Coinciding with the recent opening of Munster\u2019s new purpose built High Performance Centre at the University of Limerick, both the ULSU and Munster Rugby have struck an agreement to sell tickets to UL students. The new venture is designed to help both parties involved, with Munster potentially benefiting from increased ticket sales, and the SU being financially rewarded.<\/p>\n
\u201cMunster Rugby came to us with the suggestion that we sell tickets on their behalf and take a commission that goes back into running the SU,\u201d said ULSU Marketing and Communications Administrator Killian Stone.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are student rates. Pro12 Games are \u20ac7 standing, \u20ac10 sitting. EPCR (Champions Cup) games are \u20ac10 standing and \u20ac17.50 sitting. Season tickets cover any eight games and cost \u20ac85,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Depending on the success of this idea, the Students\u2019 Union is hoping that it will be a long term agreement with Munster Rugby.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are hoping this will be a long-term deal. So far the deal is planned up to June 2017. From there we will see how ticket sales went and decide if it is a venture worth continuing,\u201d Mr Stone said.<\/p>\n
In recent seasons, Munster attendance levels have dropped and the provincial rugby team have used their close connection with the University of Limerick to promote games for the current season. With tickets at reduced prices for students, this venture is expected to be a success and will benefit students and Munster Rugby alike.<\/p>\n
\u201cMunster Rugby has always provided student tickets to a selection of games in the season. These are available for any SU to sell to students. For the first year we are now providing the students unions with the ability to sell student tickets for all games,\u201d Munster Rugby Ticketing Manager Brian Cheasty said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal is to ensure that our fan base comes from all demographics. This will ensure that students have the ability to attend any game without financial constraint and we hope this will improve attendances. We have a student ticket price available to any student in full time education. This is at a reduced rate.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving the Students\u2019 Union as an outlet to sell and promote these tickets is vital to ensure that we can consistently provide this service to students. We are delighted that UL Students Union have joined us to promote this to their students. Our long term goal is to have fans attending games from all demographics and it is vital that we provide them with the products to ensure this goal is successful,\u201d Mr Cheasty added.<\/p>\n
Tickets are also available for Guinness Pro12 games at both Thomond Park in Limerick and at Irish Independent Park in Cork.<\/p>\n