Countdown begins for ticket sales to RWC 2011

Rugby fans around the world can mark an important date in their calendar - applications for tickets to Rugby’s showpiece Tournament open on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. The date, which also marks 500 days until the start of the Tournament, was confirmed at the official launch of ticket sales for Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) in Auckland this afternoon.

Tournament Organiser, Rugby New Zealand 2011 (RNZ 2011) unveiled its ticketing policy for the seventh Rugby World Cup which will feature three sales phases, beginning with applications for Venue Pool Packs (tickets for all pool matches at a chosen venue) and Team Pool Packs (tickets for all pool matches for a chosen team).

“This is the day that answers that question that New Zealanders have been asking since we won the rights to host RWC 2011 back in 2005; how do I get a ticket?” said Rugby New Zealand 2011 (RNZ 2011) CEO Martin Snedden.

“This is the day that fans from London to Pretoria, from Moscow to Buenos Aries, from right around the world, can look forward to turning their Rugby World Cup dreams into fantastic memories.

“Today, we are asking Rugby fans to come to New Zealand to experience the best Rugby, our unique culture and natural heritage and enjoy our great Kiwi hospitality.

“To New Zealanders, we say ‘You gotta be there’ for this to be a truly memorable event.”

Three ticket sales phases

In Phase 1 750,000 tickets will be released through Venue Pool Packs and Team Pool Packs. Fans who apply will also have the option of adding a Quarter-final Weekend Pack in Wellington or Christchurch and/or Tickets to the Bronze Final to their application. Applications close on Friday, May 21.

The second phase will see individual tickets for all matches except the semi-finals and the Final released. This is expected to occur in August or September.

The third phase will feature a ballot system for tickets to the semi-finals and the Final. Applicants from the first two phases will receive one entry into the ballots for each ticket applied for in earlier phases.

Any remaining tickets will go on general sale in 2011.

“A range of Venue and Team Pool Pack prices and the spread of matches to 13 venues across the country from Whangarei to Invercargill aim to encourage as many fans as possible to get a taste of Rugby World Cup excitement in line with our ‘Stadium of Four Million’ philosophy,” said Martin Snedden.

“We are also introducing a payment plan to help New Zealand fans pay off their packs in monthly installments over six months.”

An administration fee of $25 applies for this service.

New Zealand Rugby Community

A key feature from both RWC 2003 and RWC 2007 was dedicated offers to the local Rugby Communities and RWC 2011 is no exception.

“Members of the New Zealand Rugby Community are the heart and soul of the Game and their loyalty and support deserves to be recognised,” said Martin Snedden. One-third of the publicly available ticketing quota for Phase 1 has been set aside for the local Rugby Community and applications open a week earlier on April 19.

Another Tournament milestone

“This is an important milestone for Rugby World Cup 2011,” said International Rugby Board Chairman Bernard Lapasset at today’s launch. “The global Rugby family has been eagerly looking forward to this day. Now they can start planning in earnest to come to a country whose proud Rugby heritage will give them a unique sporting experience and whose people will be excellent hosts for one of the world’s premier sporting events.”

Nationwide Festival

At today’s launch Prime Minister John Key unveiled the first events which will form part of the nationwide Festival which will be wrapped around the 45 day Tournament.

"During RWC 2011 New Zealand will be in celebration mode, with a nationwide festival that showcases the best of New Zealand’s people, food and wine, cultures and landscapes," said Mr Key.

"The festival will engage locals and visitors alike, giving New Zealanders a chance to discover more about their country and enriching the New Zealand experience for visitors. I encourage every region of New Zealand to make the most of this opportunity to showcase ourselves to the world, and to have a great time while we do it."

The first festival events and attractions have been posted on the website www.nz2011.govt.nz, and the programme will continue to grow to an expected 1000 events around the country. An official festival launch is planned for September 2010.

RWC 2011 and beyond

“This will be an event that will be magical for fans and bring tremendous benefits to New Zealand,” said Martin Snedden. “It’s expected to pump more than NZD$500m into the economy, attract more than 60,000 visitors and leave a valuable legacy including world class stadia, transport improvements and a workforce skilled at providing top service at major events.

“In addition, RWC 2011 will be watched by a cumulative television audience of four billion, providing a priceless opportunity to showcase New Zealand to the world.

Preparations on track

“Nearly five years after New Zealand won the right to host RWC 2011, the stage is set for a wonderful Tournament. Our planning is well advanced; stadia across the country are being readied, Eden Park’s redevelopment is on track and on budget and Stadium Christchurch is complete.

“Significant transport improvements are being made in key cities such as Auckland and cities are readying to welcome visitors through Fan Zones and Festival events.

“We are in great shape to put on a Tournament that New Zealand will be proud of.“