Tasmanian football fans have been encouraged to get in early and buy their tickets for the Round 3 clash between North Melbourne and Sydney with the game expected to sell-out fast.

North Melbourne chief operating officer Cam Vale and Lord Mayor of Hobart Damon Thomas announced tickets would go on sale on Wednesday for the first match at Blundstone Arena in 2013.  

“With last year’s strong crowds and the fact we are up against the league’s best team in the Swans, we’re expecting tickets to be in high demand,” Vale said.

“All indications are the game will sell-out very quickly and we don’t want to see anyone turned away at the gates on the day. A membership is the best way to reserve a seat and catch all the action,” Vale said.

Tasmanian membership numbers are already well above the same time last year and the club’s home away from home is fast becoming a North Melbourne fortress.

“We have close to 3,000 Tassie members signed up already which is a wonderful result and a true indication of how much support we’re receiving in the state. We’ve even had several die-hard footy fans with other allegiances purchasing North Melbourne memberships to support us and AFL matches in their city.

“There was an incredible atmosphere at both our matches at Blundstone last year and we look forward to the sea of royal blue and white retuning this season.”

The Lord Mayor said Hobart is thrilled to have such a strong AFL fixture for football fans and the greater community to enjoy.

"Hobart is excited to welcome last year’s premiers the Sydney Swans to play North Melbourne in April. We expect huge interest in this match both locally and from interstate benefitting local businesses," he said.

"The Hobart City Council is working with the Migrant Resource Centre, putting together a small curtain raiser match. This event, taking place before the big match, will give young people in our community the opportunity to experience this truly Australian sport."

Tickets are available through our membership department, at Ticketek ticketek.com.au or Blundstone Arena.