Rugby World Cup 2011 will provide New Zealanders and the global Rugby family with a competitive ticketing structure comparable with other world class events, the Tournament's organising body Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd (RNZ 2011) said today.
With two years to go until the world's third-largest sports event kicks off across 13 venues in New Zealand, RNZ 2011 has announced the ticket pricing structure for the largest global sporting event ever to be hosted in the country.
Tickets will go on general sale in April 2010 and will start at NZD $15 for children at many of the Pool matches and NZD $30 for adults - a structure that is comparable to Rugby World Cup 2007 and will ensure that as many New Zealanders as possible will have the opportunity to enjoy the Rugby World Cup experience.
Children's priced tickets will be available for all Pool matches and the Bronze Final.
Tickets for the final will start at NZD $390, with the top category of ticket priced at NZ$1250, prices that are comparable with major international sporting events.
>> For a full list of ticket prices, please
click here.
An exciting innovation, and a first for a Rugby World Cup, will be the introduction of a payment plan which will allow fans to pay for their tickets in installments.
RNZ 2011 CEO Martin Snedden said that prices reflected the status of RWC as one of the world's largest sports events balanced against making the event accessible for the New Zealand and global public.
"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. 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. It will be a wonderful festival of Rugby with an incredible atmosphere for 45 days throughout the whole country."
He described the process of setting prices as a balancing exercise between achieving budgets and also making tickets affordable for as many New Zealanders as possible.
"We've been upfront that ticket prices for RWC 2007 in France would give fans a guide for 2011. 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.
"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 NZD $90 and NZD $120 plus booking fees.
"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 installments."
RWCL Chairman Bernard Lapasset said he was confident the ticket pricing structure would ensure RWC 2011 would be a great success and build on its status as a wonderful celebration of the global game.
"Today's announcement is a significant milestone as it means fans can now start planning to come to New Zealand in 2011 to take part in what will be a fantastic festival of Rugby."
