The land of the All Blacks is preparing to celebrate the first kick-off of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Indeed, September 9 last year marked the countdown of 365 days separating rugby fans from the opening match between the All Blacks and the Tonga team at Eden Park Stadium in Auckland.
Out of a total of 1,650,000 tickets available, more than 500,000 have already been sold through tour operators.
From September 10 to October 8, 2010, supporters will be able to purchase individual tickets for the 48 matches of the tournament: a last chance to get a ticket to the tournament before next year!
The most dedicated fans will have to wait until the end of the year to get tickets for the semi-finals and the final.
Approximately 85,000 rugby fans are expected at the antipodes for the 3rd largest sporting event in the world, and New Zealand is eagerly preparing to welcome them.
There are several options to access the competition. The price of individual tickets varies according to the category, the stadium, and the age of the spectator. Prices range from 30 NZ$ (about 16.50€) to 450 NZ$ (about 265€).
Requests can only be made through the official World Cup website: www.rugbyworldcup.com.
Accommodations for all budgets are still available in New Zealand. An assistance service has been set up to facilitate requests at +44 808 234 9376 or by email at info@nz2011helpdesk.com.
At a glance:
· 3rd largest sporting competition in the world
· 48 matches on the schedule
· 45 days of competition – from September 9 to October 23, 2011
· 20 teams competing
· Nearly 85,000 visitors expected
· 1,650,000 tickets with 500,000 already sold
More info at: www.rugbyworldcup.com/destinationnewzealand/news/
Many French supporters have nevertheless already obtained their entry tickets to the tournament thanks to the offers of the 4 official travel agencies based in France: Phileog Sports, New Zealand Travels, Eventeam, Groupe Couleur.
By booking through these operators, enthusiasts can access exclusive packages including, among other things, tickets still not available for sale online (such as the semi-finals and the final) but also the organization of tailor-made stays including flights, transportation, and accommodation.
Marco Balberini, associate director, Groupe Couleur
“There is indeed a strong enthusiasm from the French for this World Cup. We have responded precisely to everyone’s needs: we can thus organize camper van stays or 4-star stays, short or long stays, or tailor-made packages.
Our dear clients have three reasons to be there: the country and its unparalleled natural beauty, the New Zealanders and their profound sense of hospitality, and of course the Rugby World Cup event in a country where rugby culture is genetic, exemplary, and shared.
For everyone, it’s the Trip of a Lifetime on the Rugby planet: the New Zealanders themselves say it won’t happen again.”
Michel Ginestet, associate director, New Zealand Travels
“The interest that the French have in the 2011 Rugby World Cup has exceeded our expectations. The fact that the Blues play in the same pool as the All Blacks has undoubtedly contributed to increasing the level of attention on New Zealand.
Therefore, we expect to receive more and more requests as we approach 2011. Although we are one year away from the competition, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find available accommodations, camper van rentals, cars, not to mention seats on flights to the country. Soon, everything will be fully booked!”
NOT TO BE MISSED! Rugby World Cup Festival
On the occasion of this global competition, the entire country will be in a frenzy! To share the rugby experience and let guests live the best of New Zealand, a national festival has been set up.
For 6 weeks, visitors traveling across the country will be able to enjoy what each region can offer them.
Discover the entire festival program at: www.nz2011.govt.nz/cms/festival-2011
For any further information on New Zealand and the 2011 World Cup, click on: www.newzealand.com/rugby
