Bledisloe Cup - everything you need to know about the big game
August 11, 2005 - 12:56pm
Story by: ARU
The biggest match in the Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series, the Bledisloe Cup Test between the Qantas Wallabies and the All Blacks, is nearly here.
Whether you are heading to Telstra Stadium for the Test or catching the match at home, the following information is important reading for all fans.
Pre-match entertainment
The pre-match entertainment at Telstra Stadium will feature a special 20-minute tribute to the Wallaby Team of the Decade which was announced last week. Master of Ceremonies and legend of Australian film and television Bud Tingwell will introduce the team and play memorable highlights of their playing career on the big screen.
The show starts at 7:30pm, so get to the stadium early to catch this special tribute (and don't forget to wear gold to the game).
Scalpers
If you purchase a ticket from a scalper on Saturday night, there is a good chance you will be purchasing a ticket that has been cancelled. Such a ticket will not let you in the turnstiles and you will not be able to have the ticket replaced or refunded. The ARU has cancelled 97 tickets that were sold illegally online.
Telecast times
Channel Seven will broadcast the match live in Sydney and Brisbane from 7:30pm (kick off is at 8:00pm). In Perth, fans can watch the match on a 30-minute delay immediately after the 6:00pm news. In Melbourne and Adelaide, Channel Seven will broadcast the match on delay at 10:30pm.
Fox Sports will broadcast the match live around Australia from 7:55pm. However, fans should note that due to live NRL and cricket commitments, special arrangements have been made to show the game on Main Event. The service will be 'free of charge' to all Foxtel, Austar and Optus subscribers (including pubs and clubs)
Foxtel Digital Channel 955
Foxtel Analogue Channel 46
Austar Digital Channel 955
Old Austar service Channel 25
Optus Channel 44
If you can't get yourself in front of the television, ABC Radio will have a live call of the match into QLD and NSW (with regular updates of the Ashes) while 2UE Radio will also have a live call from 7:55pm for listeners in Sydney and surrounding region.
If you are overseas or simply can't get any type of media coverage, you can keep track of the action through the live text call on www.rugby.com.au.
Transport to Telstra Stadium
The Test is a sell out, so there will be over 80,000 arriving at Sydney Olympic Park simultaneously. Fans are encouraged to catch public transport and allow plenty of time to get into the stadium.
All tickets to the match include entry and travel on public transport on CityRail services, the Sydney Olympic Park Major Event Buses, regular Sydney Buses and Sydney Ferries.
Sydney Olympic Park Major Event Buses
Sydney Olympic Park Major Event Bus services will operate on all 12 major event bus routes, commencing between 3.40pm and 4.15pm (depending on the route). Bus services will depart Sydney Olympic Park after the match, with the last service departing at 11.15pm.
To view a map of the Major Event Bus Routes, click here.
Trains
Getting there
CityRail will run direct services every five to 10 minutes between Central and Olympic Park Station from 5.00pm until 1.00am.
People travelling from Inner West, North Shore, South or Western Line stations should travel to Lidcombe Station and change for the Olympic Park Sprint, departing every 10 minutes from 4.00pm. Return services to Lidcombe will operate every 10 minutes until 1.00am.
Getting home
North Shore and Western Lines
An additional CityRail service will depart Lidcombe at 11.08pm, stopping all stations to Blacktown. Additional services will depart Central at 11.10pm, 12.13am and 1.24am, stopping all stations to Hornsby via the North Shore.
Eastern Suburbs
Additional CityRail services will depart Central at 1.07am and 1.39am, stopping all stations to Bondi Junction.
Inner West Line
Additional services will depart Lidcombe at 10.23pm, 10.53pm and 11.23pm stopping all stations to the City Circle via Strathfield.
Newcastle & Central Coast Line
The 10.29pm CityRail service from Strathfield to Newcastle will be built up to eight cars. An additional service will depart Central at 10.47pm (Strathfield 10.59pm) to Newcastle.
Trackwork
Airport Line
Airport Line trains will not operate. Buses will replace trains between Central and Sydenham via the Airport. Please allow an extra travel time of 30 minutes.
East Hills Line
Buses will replace trains between Sydenham and Macarthur via the East Hills Line. Buses will also replace trains between Liverpool and Macarthur on the South Line. Please allow an extra travel time of 40 minutes.
Parking
Limited casual parking will be available. Arrive early and follow directional signage. To guarantee your parking for the Bledisloe Cup it is recommended that you pre-book by calling Ticketek on 132 849.
