SMSA confirms over 43 000 tickets sold for Chiefs vs Sundowns game and updates on crowd control

SMSA CEO Bertie Grobbelaar has said they are now sitting on 43 000 tickets sold so far. He’s expecting that there will be more sales this afternoon and also tomorrow, as they are expecting a close to capacity crowd. 

The midweek game between Chiefs and Sekhukhune United was poorly attended due to the freezing weather conditions, but Grobbelaar is expecting a huge improvement tomorrow...

"The amount of tickets sold is a good number on a Thursday before the event, traditionally we see most of the sales for an FNB match take place on the Friday afternoon and on match day itself. I'm confident we'll have a close to capacity crowd and I hope that the weather holds as well."

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In the case of the big matches at FNB Stadium and in other local matches, fans are always encouraged to arrive early, but even in previous matches, people would leave their homes more than four hours before the games but only enter the stadium just moments before the contest. 

Grobbelaar shares what SMSA and other stakeholders have prepared to ensure that there’s smooth traffic control around the stadium precinct...

"Part of the process now is that aside from JMPD, private tactical security will help in assisting keeping those roads open. There are 8000 parking bays available and you have to pay R50 to buy a parking ticket and to gain access."

Grobbelaar has also confirmed a partnership they have concluded with Rea Vaya and Gautrain that will be fully operational throughout the season, particularly with Rea Vaya. 

This will see football and parking tickets being paid as a package, starting from R160, and this will ensure a smooth operation for fans to enter the stadium.

To encourage the fans to arrive early for this game, Kaizer Chiefs Head of Digital Kemiso Motaung says their regular family zone and the Toyota parking areas are also available to keep everyone safe...

"We really plead with fans to arrive early and to look after the kids. It is women's month as well so it'll be nice to see the ladies in the stadium. There is a family zone, and we're excited to host families in that space. 

The midweek game only had around 4500 people in attendance, and there were no issues with the ticket scanners, according to SMSA. 

Grobbelaar also confirmed that they have roped in a new security company to look after the scanning of tickets, and they are hoping that this will discourage the security officers from taking bribes.