Ticket Price at Tuckers Games Sparks Outcry

Parents who travelled from outer islands and rural communities have raised their disappointment on the grandstand fees during the Fiji Primary Schools Tuckers Ice Cream Games which concluded yesterday. The grandstand fee was $25 flat per day for the two-day event.

Embankment and grass were both $12 for adults and $8 for children. Ruci Veisaunagauna who came to watch her son compete in the Under 13 grade for Vanuabalavu, said the ticket cost was a burden.

“This year’s ticket price is very expensive, especially for us who travel from the islands,” Veisaunagauna said.

“We have had to pay for our return boat fare, transport to the stadium and back to our camp. It’s a lot for families like ours.”

Navitalai Vunisa, a grandfather who travelled from the interior of Ra, echoed the same concerns. It was his first time watching the games live.

“I’m happy to be here, but the ticket is too expensive,” he said.

“This is only a primary school competition. Many families can’t afford $25 a day for a whole week. If the Ministry of Education wants children to take part in sports, prices should be lower.”

The event recorded its highest number of competitors in history.

Fiji Primary Schools Athletics Association president Patrick Bower said the cost was necessary to cover the HFC Bank Stadium hiring cost.

“It’s an expensive venue. The fee helps cover the event,” Bower said.

“There are no extra benefits, just access to the grandstand,” he said. He also addressed a viral video showing spectators buying tickets at the multipurpose court, saying the set-up was organised to ease congestion at the main gate.

Suva 1’s Josese Murimurivalu (middle) leads the Under-13 boys 100m final during the Fiji Primary Schools Tuckers Ice Cream Games at the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva on November 28, 2025.

Photo: Josua Buredua

The games also saw starter-related complaints, with several students disqualified for false starts. “If an athlete breaks twice, they are out,” he said.

“They must wait for the gun, no matter how long it takes. Equipment may have played a part, and we will review this.”

Bower said despite challenges, the games offered important lessons in discipline, teamwork, and friendship. “This experience will help mould them into future leaders,” he said.

He added that the two-day event recorded a high number of spectators compared to previous years.

Taveuni’s Osea Masimata competes in the Under-11 boys long jump during the Fiji Primary Schools Tuckers Ice Cream Games at the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva on November 28, 2025.

Photo: Josua Buredua

Nadi, Suva overall girls and boys champs

Nadi won 14 gold, four silver and three bronze medals to secure the overall girls’ title while Suva One scooped 10 gold, 13 silver and five bronze medals to take home the boys’ title.

In the girls division, Suva One finished second with six gold medal, 12 silver and two bronze while Lautoka came third; they won six gold, four silver and nine bronze medals. Tailevu won seven gold, one silver and five bronze medal to secure second place in the boys’ division. Bua settled at third place with five gold, nine silver and two bronze medals. Nadi was the overall champions with 19 gold, 13 silver and five bronze; Suva was second and Tailevu third