Countdown begins for ticket sales to Rugby World Cup 2011
From today, Cantabrians can start thinking about how they are going to take part in Rugby World Cup 2011 at Stadium Christchurch.
Tournament organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011 today unveiled its ticketing policy for the seventh Rugby World Cup. This will feature three sales phases, beginning with applications for Venue Pool Packs (tickets for all pool matches at a specific venue) and Team Pool Packs (tickets for all pools matches for a specific team) from 27 April 2010.
Prices for a Venue Pool Pack at Stadium Christchurch start from $305 (excl. booking fees) for five pool matches, or $61 a match on average.
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says this is a great opportunity for rugby fans to take part in the sporting event of a lifetime in their home city.
"Christchurch and Canterbury welcomes the opportunity to host the world at RWC 2011 - the globe's biggest celebration of rugby. With today's announcement about ticketing packages, the excitement is really starting to build ahead of the Tournament and residents can start thinking about how they can get involved in the action.
"Being at the redeveloped Stadium Christchurch for these matches will be the experience of a lifetime. To complement all the action on-field, the city is also planning a great range of events and activities to keep visitors and residents entertained."
From Tuesday 27 April 2010, fans can apply for a Venue Pool Pack or Team Pool Pack. Those who apply for either of these packs will also have the option of adding a Quarter-final Weekend Pack in Wellington and/or Christchurch, as well as the option of adding Tickets to the Bronze Final to their application. RNZ 2011 is encouraging fans to apply online for tickets at www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets and go in the draw for two tickets to the final.
"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?" says Rugby New Zealand 2011 CEO Martin Snedden.
"Today we are asking Rugby fans to come to New Zealand to experience the best rugby, our unique culture and natural heritage to enjoy our great Kiwi hospitality.
"To Canterbury fans, we say 'You gotta be there' for this to be a truly memorable event. They are in for a treat. They will be able to enjoy the comfort of the upgraded Stadium Christchurch as they witness a thrilling first-up match between England and Argentina. Four more matches completed an enthralling brace of pool clashes including Australia v Italy and Argentina v Scotland.
"I am sure locals will also get behind Russia - playing here in its first Rugby World Cup - and Georgia in their respective encounters with Australia and England."
Stadium Christchurch will play host to five pool matches and two quarter-final matches during RWC 2011. They are:
Saturday, September 10 - Argentina v England
Sunday, September 11 - Australia v Italy
Sunday, September 18 - England v Europe 1
Sunday, September 25 - Argentina v Scotland
Saturday, October 1 - Australia v Europe 2
Saturday, October 8 - Quarter-final 2: W Pool B v RU Pool A
Sunday, October 9 - Quarter-final 4: W Pool A v RU Pool B