CSA brings festive cheer

Johannesburg - Cricket South Africa will be introducing a festive season special to ensure the Proteas play in front of capacity crowds during the upcoming Castle Test Series against England, starting at Centurion on December 16.

The special offer which runs from Friday, December 11 to the end of the series in January, will allow scholars up to the age of 18 to attend a day of Test cricket for just R10 per scholar per day.

This development follows a survey conducted by CSA and IFM Sports Marketing Surveys SA to investigate low attendances during the opening matches of the England tour.

The survey was conducted both online at the CSA website and face-to-face at centres including Maponya Mall in Soweto, Eastgate Mall in Bedfordview, OR Tambo International Airport and the 1st MTN One Day International against England at SuperSport Park in Centurion.

Researchers also considered comments posted on various news websites, including Sport24, SuperSport Zone and Independent Online.

CSA CEO Gerald Majola said: "Preliminary findings indicate supporters are finding it costly to attend live cricket events during this economically difficult time and CSA would like to introduce a special promotion to encourage fans to get to the ground and get behind the Proteas.

"The full report of the survey and recommendations will be submitted to the CSA Board in February 2010 with the hope of using these key insights to assist us in staging quality world-class events which are well attended."

Proteas captain, Graeme Smith, said: "I always remember going to watch the England Test at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium in 1999 when Herschelle Gibbs made a magnificent 80 under very difficult batting conditions.

"I also remember watching Hansie Cronje walking out to the middle in his striped Proteas' blazer to do the toss. I was totally taken up by the atmosphere.

"By that stage I had represented SA Schools and I just knew I wanted to be part of this."

Ticket prices for the Castle Test matches are particularly affordable, ranging between R30 and R60 for adults per day, depending on venues. The more expensive tickets range from R54 to R80.

Fans interested in CSA's festive season offer should keep in mind the following:

* This offer is valid from Friday, December 11, no refunds will be given for tickets purchased prior to this date.

* Tickets must be purchased from the stadium, not through Computicket

* Limited number of tickets available

* Relevant CSA terms and conditions apply.