The return of afternoon rugby to the Tauranga Domain is proving appealing with a small, yet faithful, group of Bay of Plenty Steamers' fans eagerly getting their hands on tickets.

Tickets to next month's ITM Cup clash between Bay of Plenty and Waikato at the Tauranga Domain went exclusively on sale to the Bay public at Baycourt 9am.

Lesleyann Jensen is pleased to have secured tickets to the Steamers versus Waikato match at the Tauranga Domain. Photos: Tracy Hardy.

Tomorrow morning, ticket sales open up at all other Ticketek outlets, as well as for phone and internet bookings.

About 12 people queued ahead of doors opening – the first person arriving at 8am to get at the front of the queue.

Self-confessed die-hard fan Lesleyann Jensen admits she wasn't going to miss up the chance to see her beloved team return to the Tauranga Domain.

A move she believes could help see the CBD fixture permanent in the ITM Cup calendar.

'I have supported them since before Super Rugby's inception 20 years ago,” says Lesleyann, who snapped up four tickets.

'It's the best thing that's ever happened and I hope it comes back. If we get a good turnout for this game hopefully we will get this stadium built here. I think they should do what they are talking about and covert it to a proper stadium here.”

The ITM Cup fixture will mark the first provincial rugby match at the city's Domain in seven years, and it is hoped an estimated crowd of 5000-6000 for the televised clash will create a 'cauldron effect” thanks to temporary seating.

Lesleyann says the drop in seat numbers will be nothing but positive given the low turnout to Steamers ASB Bayparlk matches in recent seasons.

'It doesn't matter we get closer and can see it all. We go to ASB Baypark but it's not quite as good as the domain.”

Fellow fan Chris Payton had his sights set on securing two seats in the West Stand.

He agrees it's a great initiative to bring Sunday afternoon rugby back to the CBD.

'People like it in town, the bars and stuff are here, and accommodation is here. I think there is a lot of interest in this game,” says Chris.

Looking ahead to the opening round clash with North Harbour at ASB Baypark, Chris is optimistic about the upcoming season and turning the tide on Waikato.

'Hopefully they are going to go well again this year. I'd like to see them back in the top flight again.”

The Steamers take on Waikato at the Tauranga Domain on Sunday August 30 at 2.35pm.

The last fixture at the Domain was against Hawke's Bay back in July 2009.

In recent seasons the traditional rivals and Kaimai neighbours have had the wood over the Steamers, having won the over last two years, 29-12 at Waikato Stadium and 28-25 at ASB Baypark in 2013.