SEASON ticket sales to watch Newport Gwent Dragons next season are rising fast and already they are way ahead of last year's final figure. They currently stand at 2,500, around 800 more than last season, and set to go a lot higher.

New chief executive Andy Marinos and his staff are working hard on a number of initiatives with a big push arranged for the family fun day on August 8, coupled with the attraction of big name players with Heineken Cup opponents Newcastle, Perpignan and Edinburgh.

Marinos is also in talks with Gwent's premier division clubs to bring in a joint season ticket for the clubs and the Dragons.

"Sales have been really good," said Marinos. "The public and everyone in the region are grasping the regional concept and with such a good European draw we are hoping to add to that. We are hoping for near full houses and what it used to be like at Rodney Parade.

"Newcastle (the first European game the weekend of October 22,23,24 at Rodney Parade) will bring Jonny Wilkinson and Matthew Burke with the prodigal son Colin Charvis returning.

"Edinburgh will have all their Scottish internationals like Simon Taylor, Scott Murray and Chris Paterson and Perpignan will bring extra flavour with two great Australian players Danny Herbert and Manny Edmonds (plus England's Dan Luger, Ireland's Mick O'Driscoll and France's Lionel Mallier and Franck Tournaire), so everything is set up for a really good season.

"Our success last season was due to the incredible support. But against Bath and Toulouse a few years ago the atmosphere was electric, now we want to deliver and get the crowds back up to that level.

"I have to compliment the staff here, they have come through a difficult year and embraced the changes to deliver a package and a presentable ticket sales portfolio.

"We've had one launch and there is another big day with the family fun day on August 8 with a special discounted rate on season ticket sales, so things are moving along nicely.

"I have spoken to the premier division clubs and we're looking to expand to all clubs in the region for a joint season ticket initiative with them. "I'm in discussion with the clubs and we're busy working on the most effective scheme so that everyone can benefit.

"They are keen and within two weeks we're hoping to put forward a final proposition so that everyone can come in. "We want people coming in to see the Dragons."