VARSITY CUP TICKET RESELLERS AND BUYERS – MAY BE DENIED ACCESS

Shanell Binedell 

@shanell_lalala

 

The reselling of Varsity Cup tickets has become an increasing problem, raising concerns about the difficulty students face when trying to purchase tickets. Despite being on the official site as soon as sales open, many students have reported being unable to secure tickets in time.

 

According to the official Varsity Cup ticketing website, ticket reselling is strictly prohibited and deemed unlawful. The Quicket ticket disclaimer clearly states, “Any tickets bought from unauthorized agents or third parties are not valid, and admission to an event on the strength of such tickets will not be permitted.”

 

Christi Cloete, manager of the Varsity Cup games, has emphasized that although the law regarding ticket resale hasn’t changed, enforcement will now be much stricter. “People who buy tickets at R100 or R300 create a market for this unjust action and are the real problem behind the Varsity Cup ticket reselling issue,” Cloete stated.

 

Efforts are underway to combat this unethical practice. Scouts and watchdogs are monitoring resellers, and individuals reported for attempting to resell tickets or purchasing them from resellers will be denied entry. Students have used social media and class groups to report those advertising tickets at inflated prices. On Monday night, individuals with canceled tickets due to reselling will be refused entry at the gates. The SCC Sport portfolio, responsible for ticket scanning, firmly stated that canceled tickets will result in automatic denial of access.

 

Cloete also stated that all the proceeds from the matches go towards the rugby institute and maintenance of the stadium, and they do not seek to profit from students. 

 

1. Ticket Pricing and Policies 

Varsity Cup tickets are sold at R50 each, granting access to both the Varsity Cup and Young Guns games. Buyers are limited to four tickets per purchase to accommodate the Potchefstroom community, known for its strong support of the Eagles. Many families attend Varsity Cup games, adding to the need for fair ticket distribution. You can cancel your ticket or resell it at the same price, but by increasing the price you automatically break the law.

 

Despite these measures, some individuals exploit the limited supply by reselling tickets for personal profit. Sellers have been found charging as much as R300 per ticket, turning the Varsity Cup into an income-generating scheme. This behavior is not only unethical, but also unfair to fellow students who struggle to purchase tickets at the original price.

 

1. Legal and Safety Implications 

The South African Sports and Recreation Act outlines strict rules regarding event capacity and safety standards, which the NWU is obligated to uphold. The Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds can accommodate 4,500 spectators, including barmen, staff, flag girls, media personnel, and other event organizers. Exceeding this capacity could lead to legal consequences for the university. 

 

The issue of ticket reselling goes beyond ethics — it jeopardizes safety, fairness, and compliance with regulations. As the Varsity Cup season continues, the enforcement of anti-resale measures seeks to ensure an enjoyable experience for all supporters.

 

Edited by Isabel Burgers