| While the city rivals stopped short of predicting a 14,000-plus sell-out, staff at both clubs admitted to being surprised by the speed at which fans have been snapping up briefs.
Sunday’s big game is being televised live by BBC Scotland, and that would usually mean a smaller than usual crowd.
But, with the Tangerines beginning to find form after a difficult start, and the Dark Blues currently riding high in third in the Premierleague, both sets of fans are set to turn out in numbers.
“Normally, there would be a drop in sales because the game is going to be on TV, but that has not been the case this week. If sales continued over the next few days at a similar rate to the early part of the week we will be very close to selling all our tickets,” said a United spokesman today.
It was a similar story at Dundee, who get around 5500 briefs for Tannadice derbies. Today, sales were around the 4000 mark and, with a late rush always expected, ticket office staff expect at least another 1000 to go between now and Sunday lunch-time.
“Sales have been better than we would normally expect. I would not say it will be a sell- out, but it will not be far off it if sales follow their normal pattern,” said a spokesman.
Fans wanting tickets will have right up until Sunday to get them. As well as during normal hours tomorrow, the clubs have made arrange-ments for their sale to continue at the weekend.
Home fans can get them at Tannadice from 9 am-noon on Saturday and 10 am-noon on Sunday. The club shop will be open as normal on Saturday and from noon until kick-off on Sunday.
Dundee’s club shop at Dens will be open from 10 am both days, though, on Sunday, ticket sales end there at noon.
Meanwhile, both camps are still awaiting key players to prove their fitness in time to be included.
At United, Charlie Miller will test out his damaged ankle when he trains tomorrow, while, at Dens, Lee Mair will be give until the last minute to show he has recovered.
The man in the middle will be top referee Mike McCurry. |
