Next weekend’s 49th Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens tournament ticket prices will be reduced in support of grassroots rugby. This was revealed to SUNsports on Thursday by tournament director Lawrence Tikaram during the launch at the Paradise Beverages boardroom in Walu Bay, Suva. “This ticket pricing is only available online,” he said. “It is $22 for three days grandstand reserve seating. For $22 in three days, you get to watch over 200 games, 95 teams and 1500 players in one venue, I believe.” Tikaram said their ticket pricing is a great value for sevens rugby fans. “It’s giving back to the community, come and support your teams. Be there to witness a lot of new talent being exposed at the tournament,” he said. Paradise Beverages sponsorship and events specialist Alfaio Tekavei added that the winner of the women’s category will receive $5000. “The Discovery Shield (DS) category is specifically designed for grassroots team who are village base and self-funded,” he said. “The first-place winner in the DS category will receive $2000, while the second place will gain $1500 and the third place will settle for $1000.” Tekavei said the series champions will be awarded $10,000. “The second placed team in the standings will receive $5000 and the third place will settle $3000,” he said. There are 52 teams competing in the men’s category and nine teams in the women’s category. All 24 teams are included in the 18-21 competition and six teams are grouped in the Pacific Energy Future Super Stars U18 boys. Four teams are also competing in the Pacific Energy Future Super Stars U18 girls. Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj