From Tuggeranong to Gungahlin, there were plenty of Raiders fans across Canberra frantically hitting refresh on their computers and phones to score coveted preliminary final tickets.
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While many missed out on scoring tickets online as the game sold out in just six minutes after general admission slots went on sale on Tuesday, it was a different story for people lining up for tickets the old-fashioned way.
At Cooleman Court, one of Canberra's only ticket outlets in, dozens of fans were queuing up to make sure they didn't miss out on the biggest game to hit Canberra for almost 30 years.
Conder resident Donna Cummings was at the front of the line, decked out with green and white nails, having waited more than 90 minutes.
"I lined up here because it was going to be quicker," Ms Cummings said.
"I'm hoping after 30 years the Raiders can get to the grand final and they can win."
The Raiders fan has been to every home game at Canberra Stadium this year, and while she wanted to get six tickets for the game, she had to settle for just two, such was the demand.
"It's going to be amazing if they win, I can't wait to hear the Viking Clap," Ms Cummings said.
Those in the queue for tickets were told the brace for the worst and get exact amounts of cash out to make the purchases just that little bit quicker to ensure they got a seat.
For the briefest of moments, Ms Cummings thought there would be zero chance of tickets after she stepped up to the counter, but a few calls from Ticketek outlet owner Frog Harris made sure there were some available.
Mr Harris said there had been a large demand for tickets for the big game across the capital.
"Finals are a different level of excitement, and it brings out people who may not have been to a game for a while," Mr Harris said.
"For those who miss out, it's going to encourage a lot of people to go to pubs and clubs to watch and the game and encourage people to become members as well and get first dibs on tickets for next year."
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Tickets went on sale to members on Monday, with more than 20,000 snapped up.
Capacity at Canberra Stadium is set to be about 28,000 for Friday's preliminary final against South Sydney.
Mr Harris said while many people now went online to get tickets, lining up in person was the safest bet.
"Not everyone has access to the internet, and this is in a lot of cases a more reliable system and people walk out with tickets in their hands," he said.
"Hopefully we'll be moving to another great golden era for the Raiders."
Mrs Cummings said she could not wait for Friday's final and was tipping for the Raiders to go all the way.
"They're just the battlers, and everyone wants the battlers to win," she said.
Andrew Brown
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
