Ospreys bosses are anticipating the biggest Liberty Stadium crowd of the season when the Scarlets visit for a Good Friday derby clash (April 2nd, 7.05pm K.O.).
With 8,000 tickets already snapped up after tickets went on sale last week, the region is hopeful of beating the 15,626 crowd that watched January's Heineken Cup win over Leicester Tigers.
Ospreys Managing Director, Roger Blyth, commented:
"We have been delighted with the way sales have gone for this match following confirmation of the time and day last Monday. Tickets have only been on sale for a week, but supporters are clearly keen to secure their seat for this match as the Ticket Office has been extremely busy with sales and enquiries relating to the game.
"We had a good crowd of almost 16,000 here for the Leicester Tigers game in January, and the way tickets are going, and given the traditional rivalry with our neighbours, I'd hope that we can beat that this time and achieve the highest crowd of the season. The Scarlets have shown once again last weekend against Ulster what they are capable of, and will come here looking to get a win that would move them up the table, and with us needing to win to stay in contention for the Play-Offs it should be a cracker."
The derby clash kicks off a crucial month for both sides, with the Ospreys travelling to San Sebastian the following weekend for the eagerly anticipated Heineken Cup clash with Biarritz, while the Scarlets head to Toulon in the Amlin Cup, before both teams focus on the Magners League, with the Ospreys targeting a Play-Off place and the Scarlets looking to secure Heineken Cup qualification for next season.
Blyth added:
"Ospreys V Scarlets games always have a bit of extra spice to them, so I'm sure that it will be a cracking match, but there's a lot more than just local pride at stake this time as it is the first game of a month that will make or break the season for both of us. All our players will be back from international duty, and we'll want to get a good performance under our belts, not only for our Play-Off hopes, but also, with the following week's game against Biarritz in mind.
"With it being a holiday weekend, we are anticipating a big crowd, and with the way sales are going, I would recommend that supporters act swiftly and buy their tickets early to avoid disappointment."
Tickets for the match can be purchased now from the Liberty Stadium Ticket Office, via the Ticket Hotline on 08700 400 004, or online at www.ospreysrugby.com.