Kiwi Demand for Glasgow Games Tickets up 800 Percent

Kiwi Demand for Glasgow Games Tickets up 800 Percent

By Fleur Revell
13 March 2014

Strong Kiwi interest in ticket and travel packages to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games has seen ticket sales up 800 percent on the previous 2010 Games.

Around 80 percent of New Zealand's ticket allocation for the 2014 Games were purchased within just two weeks of sales opening.

Two thousand New Zealand sporting fans have purchased 8,000 event tickets with high local demand for cycling, swimming, netball, hockey and athletics finals.

HOT Events managing director David Williams says New Zealanders seem to have a greater interest in the Glasgow Games, the number of Kiwis attending considerably higher than the 170 Kiwis who made it to the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games in India.

He says Kiwis have even found it easier to purchase the “well-priced” Games tickets, some as low as $NZD40, than those living in Scotland.

Williams, whose company has recently entered into a joint venture with NZOC and House of Travel, has exclusive rights to resell tickets to the Games, says many Scottish fans have struggled to purchase tickets to their preferred events as local demand for tickets has far exceeded their allotment. New Zealand residents have been more fortunate and are able to access tickets easier than their UK based friends and family.

"With their events tickets secured, many Kiwi supporters are choosing to travel in style and extend the trip to other parts of Europe, spending up to $20,000 per person for a more premium end-to-end experience with business class flights and 5 star accommodation included.

"Unlike the accommodation in other countries hosting Olympic and Commonwealth Games, Scotland has been strategic in keeping accommodation prices to a minimum" says Williams.

High demand for tickets to finals where Kiwis may be featured has meant New Zealand ticket supply for these events is 1200 less than required.

New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Kereyn Smith says “we're delighted so many New Zealanders are able to support our team in Glasgow. It will be an outstanding event and having Kiwi fans there will make it even more special for our athletes as they make us proud."

Williams says more tickets are expected to be made available to Kiwi supporters in the next two weeks, and that tickets to finals such as netball and closing ceremony can still be purchased from New Zealand's pool of tickets.

ENDS

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