2011 WORLD CUP:ORGANISERS OF the 2011 World Cup released ticket pricing in Wellington yesterday that they hoped would counter the rising costs of hosting the event and have local families flocking to stadiums.
Tickets, which go on sale in April of next year, will start at €7.20 for children and €14.40 for adults for many pool matches, with the final at Eden Park in Auckland to cost between €187.5 to €600.
“RWC 2011 is one of the world’s greatest sporting events and will be a once in a lifetime opportunity in such a rugby loving country as New Zealand,” tournament chief executive Martin Snedden said in a statement. “Hosting such an event in New Zealand is a fantastic chance for us to showcase New Zealand and the prices mean the vast majority of matches are priced at a level all New Zealanders can access.
“We believe the ticketing policy will result in each match being played in front of full venues, showcasing New Zealand’s love of rugby and its place as a host of major international events.
“Although tickets for knockouts and major pool matches are expensive by New Zealand standards, we have been able to price two-thirds of matches at or below existing Test match prices.”
Organisers will also allow buyers to pay for their tickets in instalments to lure them to more expensive games.
“We’re conscious that ticket prices for some matches will be well beyond what Kiwis are used to paying so we are introducing a payment plan that will allow those who pay for their tickets on a credit or debit card to be able to do so in instalments,” Snedden added.
“We’ve been upfront that ticket prices for RWC 2007 in France would give fans a guide for 2011,” added Snedden.
“Many matches will be played during the day and we’re keen to see as many families as possible enjoy the RWC 2011 experience. There will be at least one match at every venue which a family of four can enjoy for between NZ$90 (€43.30) and NZ$120 (€47.70).”
With the International Rugby Board (IRB) retaining all commercially generated income as well as taking a €72 million hosting fee, New Zealand must rely largely on ticket sales to cover the cost of hosting the tournament.
Although ticket revenue has been projected at €135 million, organisers expect to post a €14.40 million operating loss.The Rugby World Cup is the third largest sports event in the world.
The inaugural tournament took place in 1987 and it is held every four years. In 2007 the sixth tournament was held in France.
