Brumbies contact members to start ticket ballot

The Brumbies sent a message to fans on Wednesday night and players have been individually calling the club's supporters ahead of the new domestic competition's first match on July 4.

The club is still waiting for the final confirmation from ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman about what fans will be required to do on match day and how the experience will differ to the pre-coronavirus world.

It's expected fans will have to be placed two or three seats apart, despite the same social-distancing regulations not applying in pubs or restaurants around the capital.

The health authorities are taking a cautious approach to the first large gatherings in Canberra since March 15. The Canberra Raiders will play the Dragons on July 3 with the Brumbies to play the Rebels the following night. Both are expecting fans to snap up the 1500 tickets available.

Children aged 12 and under will be able to sit with a parent or guardian, but all other groups will be split up and divided by seats regardless of if they have come from the same household.

Stadium staff will likely to checks during matches, while food and beverage offerings are still to be confirmed as the venue, the Brumbies and the Raiders await final directions.

But the Brumbies have started a three-day ballot process, inviting fans to apply if they will be available to attend their first match.

"Whilst we are still awaiting the updated terms and conditions of entry to [Canberra] Stadium as well as final permitted spectator capacity from Venues Canberra, as directed by the ACT Government on advice from the ACT Chief Health Officer, we have decided to commence the ballot process so that we do not run short of time to activate this," the message to fans said.

"Once the revised terms and conditions of entry are finalised, these will be provided to all members who enter the ballot process for their acceptance prior to tickets being released.

"... As a courtesy to the thousands of members who would also love the opportunity, we ask that you please only submit your entry into the ballot if you are 100 per cent sure you will be attending on the night if successful through the ballot process.

"Tickets for members will not come with any cost to the member and provide the opportunity to access your entitlements as listed in your paid membership."

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The member ballot will close on Friday and anyone submitting an application will have to agree to terms and conditions. All tickets will be digital to minimise contact at entry gates and contact information will be collected in case of a coronavirus cluster.

"For this match, all members seating will be located on the Eastern side of the stadium per stadium requirements," the email said.

"Should restrictions still be in place for future home games, members that are unsuccessful during this ballot process will be given priority access for the next match."

The Raiders are expected to contact members with similar details after the Chief Health Officer submits the final terms and conditions of entry.

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July 4: ACT Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm