The launch of ticket sales for the HSBC Cape Town Sevens which is scheduled to take place in December has surpassed all previous records for the event in South Africa, South African Rugby Union (SARU) CEO Jurie Roux declared on Monday.
Roux revealed that no less than 21 000 tickets were sold within the first hour of sales opening on Friday and to 11am on Monday 35 000 tickets had been snapped up.
“We were aware that there was going to be high demand for the event but we have been blown away by the response,” said Roux.
“The best first day ticket sales we had for the Sevens was no more than 5 000 tickets. To have sold four times as many in the first hour of Cape Town going on sale is a very good omen.”
Roux said that he hoped to be able to announce the event was sold out before the start of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai in December.
“Ever since the move to Cape Town was announced the number of people contacting our offices has been unprecedented,” said Roux.
“There is a real excitement about the switch to the city and a new venue in the Cape Town Stadium and we have lots of new features in the planning to make it something special.”
Those plans include a “party stand”, a family stand and a kiddies’ village while a line-up of performers to augment the rugby entertainment will be announced in due course.
“Considering the ticket sales to date and the expressions of interest from companies wishing to make the HSBC Cape Town Sevens their Christmas party event I would recommend that spectators secure their seats where they want them now rather than later,” said Roux.
“The Cape Town public loves their sport and we are excited to see just what kind of vibe they will bring to what looks like being a spectacular occasion.
“We are expecting that some of the major stars from 15-a-side rugby will be appearing in Cape Town as part of the preparations for the Rio Olympics.”
The HSBC Cape Town Sevens takes place on December 12 and 13, and tickets are available online from www.computicket.com or at Shoprite and Checkers stores.
African News Agency
