Rugby World Cup 2011 tickets set to roll

It’s the news rugby fans all over the world have been waiting for - 2011 Rugby World Cup global online ticket sales have been announced.

Applications for the first round of ticket sales open on 27 April - which also marks 500 days to the start of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

More than a million tickets will go up for sale worldwide - representing matches across all 13 New Zealand venues.

Tickets will be sold in three phases, with fans able to apply to purchase phase one and two tickets. Phase three tickets to the semi-finals and final are only available through an open ballot.

RWC ticket sales guide
Phase one - 27 April to 21 May, 2010 - will see 750,000 tickets released for venue or team pool packs.

This will comprise one ticket to each of a chosen venue or team’s pool matches.
Fans who choose the phase one option may also apply for a quarter-final weekend pack and/or tickets to the bronze final.

Phase two - August / September 2010 - applications are for individual tickets to all matches, except the semi-finals and final.

Phase three tickets will only be available by ballot. The ballot is open to fans who applied for phases one or two - with each ticket application qualifying for one entry into the ballot.

All ticket prices are on the official Rugby World Cup 2011 website.

Phase one tickets can only be purchased by individuals who are at least 18 years old, although an application can include tickets for family members who are under 18. Fans can apply for a maximum of four pool packs.

Stay and play
A range of all-inclusive travel and hospitality packages to New Zealand are available for purchase through the official Rugby World Cup 2011 ticketing website. Fans can also secure tickets to the semi-finals and final this way.

The official RWC 2011 Travel and Hospitality Programme is managed by Rugby Travel & Hospitality (NZ) Ltd - and only specially-appointed travel and hospitality agents have the right to sell these packages.

More than 60,000 fans are expected to visit New Zealand during the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and pre-sales of official travel and hospitality packages have hit 135,000 - more than the number sold for the 2003 tournament in Australia.

Rugby World Cup 2011 was expected to pump more than NZ$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, Rugby New Zealand 2011 CEO Martin Snedden said.

"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," Snedden said.

Rugby World Cup festival

A huge rugby festival throughout New Zealand will highlight six weeks of exciting events planned around the Rugby World Cup 2011.

The 2011 RWC festival will be the biggest ever staged in New Zealand and will reach far beyond the 23 centres hosting the games and teams.

Each participating region will showcase the best of its unique people, culture, landscape, flavours and attractions. Visitors will have a chance to sample local and seasonal produce, regional cuisine and wine, see wildlife, go on guided walks and attend concerts and cultural celebrations.

The festival programme is expected to grow to 1000 events around the country, and an official launch is planned at one year out in September 2010.