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With just over a month to go until the Event starts, ticket sales for ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 have already surpassed total ticket sales for the last ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa. Speaking earlier today, on the eve of the start of Phase 3 of Public Ticketing, ICC CWC 2007 Commercial Director, Stephen Price, disclosed that “ticketing is in very good shape, contrary to widespread speculation”. “In 2003, South Africa's overall ticketing revenue totalled 81 million rand (approximatelyUS$10.5 million) and we have already achieved double that figure at this point – and Phase 3 is still to come,” he stated, quoting data provided by the ICC's commercial arm, IDI. John Davison of Cricket Logistics has also confirmed the trend stating that CWC's Official Tour & Travel Operator has sold “four times as many tickets and packages at this stage than for the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup”. |
These figures, Price contended, augur well for the Caribbean as Phase 3 – the last stage of Public Ticketing – was when “South Africa moved most of their tickets”. “We expect the same to occur for this tournament, based on West Indian buying patterns. A lot of people within the region have been waiting to pay cash and get their tickets in hand immediately.
“Ticket Centres in the nine Host Venues will be open early tomorrow morning and we expect, given the enquiries being made, that they will be very busy ,” he said. In addition, from midnight tonight, fans worldwide can also go online ( www.cricketworldcup.com ) and purchase tickets – and they even have the advantage of choosing which section of the stadium they want to sit in, provided seating is still available in that area.
Responding to queries regarding the fact that Phase 3 buyers will have their match tickets before persons who applied or ordered in Phases 1 and 2, he explained that, while the tickets are equally valid, tickets bought now will not be printed on souvenir stock. “Persons who made their purchases in Phases 1 & 2 will receive special, high-quality souvenir tickets which can be kept as mementos of this historic occasion. These are currently being prepared and will be ready in mid-February. “Fans who have waited to buy in Phase 3 will not be able to get this type of ticket,” elaborated Price. |