Lions to smash Super record
The Lions, beaten finalists last year, host the Crusaders in a classic South Africa versus New Zealand Super Rugby Final at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The match is set to break the all-time attendance match record of 61,823 crowd set in Sydney at the 2014 Super Rugby Final.
Ellis Park has been sold out since Monday. The few thousand tickets that did come back into the system were quickly snapped up by those who were left empty-handed when the 'House Full' signs went up at Ellis Park on Monday.
The iconic stadium has an official capacity of 62.500 seats.
However, there is room for additional spectators in the suites, which could push the number closer to 65,000.
For now, the number of spectators to attend Saturday's grand finale will number 62,500.
The Lions, runners-up in 2016 to the Hurricanes, are appearing in their second successive Super Rugby Final and will be keen to add their name to the Champions list for the second time – to go with their 1993 Super 10 title.
The Crusaders are the most successful team in Super Rugby history having won the Super Rugby title seven times.
"The final is highly anticipated by fans and will see the best two teams of the season go head to head for the title this year," SANZAAR CEO, Andy Marinos said.
"Lions fans, disappointed not to have seen their team win the title last year in Wellington, have ensured a bumper crowd will be present in Johannesburg with the Lions confirming it is a sell out."
Lions CEO, and 1995 World Cup-winning Springbok loose forward, Rudolph Straeuli said Johannesburg fans are passionate about their rugby and are desperate to see their team win the title.
"When the tickets went on sale they sold out within a matter of two hours," he said.
"The last time we had a sell out was the Springboks versus All Blacks a few years ago and we will set a new Super Rugby record on Saturday when the Lions take on the Crusaders."
Kick-off is 16.00 South African time, 02.00, Sunday, August 6, New Zealand time.
