Money rolls in

Press, 21 February 1980, Page 28

Money rolls in

. pA . Wellington The West Indies cricket tour of New Zealand is ’shaping UP as a financial bonanza for the New Zealand Cricket Council. . Finer weather, thrilling performances from the New Zealand side and the charisma of the West Indians?; themselves have brought spectators rolling intozi the tour games played.so far. Now that the three-test series will go to moneyspiriiiing Eden Park at the very worst all-square, the Intense spectator interest already built up is likely io be maintained. The / • Cricket Council chairman, Mr R. A. Vance, .viaid that $230,00C was ; needed to “break even” on i the tour and already about

$160,000 had been - realised in gate takings. To that could be added television fees and the grant by Rothmans, the series sponsor. This is believed to be about $60,000. However, the fee from Rothmans and television does not enter into the profit-sharing agreement with the West Indies Board of Control. Tour profits are ' divided one third to the tourists and two thirds to New Zealand, after all expenses have been paid. The tour costs the West Indies’ travel, accommodation,* and incidentals, plus the New Zealand team’s expenses. In addition, there is .-the expense of running gamtes in the various ” centres around New Zealand. ;