Traffic chaos in and around Hobart on Saturday may have denied the Kangaroos a chance to secure the official ground attendance record at Blundstone Arena.

A vehicle breakdown on the Tasman Bridge prior to the start of North’s clash with Richmond caused traffic mayhem and resulted in 16,131 fans attending despite close to 19,000 tickets being sold.

“It took me over an hour and 20 minutes to get to the ground from Mt Nelson ... it was very frustrating,” fan Sam Parsons told The Mercury.

It was the first AFL match since the $32 million redevelopment of the ground and the crowd was just short of the 16,719 that turned up to see Australia play England in a one-day cricket game in 2003.

“We had 1100 people who bought a ticket and chose not to come and a thousand of our own members who didn’t come — perhaps it was the weather or some other factors — but we are rapt with the turnout and overall way the week and game unfolded,” North CEO Carl Dilena said.

Hundreds of people were also reportedly stranded waiting for public transport at Hobart’s bus mall and the Regatta Grounds.

“We played a quality opposition and it was just about the game of the round, so those that didn’t come missed a great game but thankfully they’ll have the opportunity to see us in our remaining games at Blundstone Arena against West Coast and St Kilda.

“The game was great, ticket sales were great and membership is strong — we are really happy and excited with how things are going.”

“The facilities are superb and our team has been provided with first-class resources and surroundings,” Dilena said.

“Blundstone Arena is a first-class venue and we look forward to returning in a few weeks.”

Dilena said the club will work with the Hobart City Council and other key stakeholders to avoid a repeat when it returns for its Round 10 match against West Coast and Round 20 match-up with St Kilda.