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Rugby World Cup ticket sales have reached almost 90 per cent of the organisers’ target, a month out from kick-off.
World Cup boss Martin Snedden today announced 1.08 million tickets had been sold to date, some 230,000 shy of the target.
Revenue was $NZ234 million ($A189m), $NZ34.5 million ($A28m) short of the $NZ268.5 million ($A217) sales goal.
Snedden said there had been a lift in sales every week.
Almost 300,000 tickets worth $NZ65 million ($A52.6) had been sold in the past 10 weeks, with a $NZ1m ($A810,000) sales surge since the Bledisloe Cup match at Eden Park on Saturday alone.
The expected number of international visitors had increased to 95,000, up from last year’s estimate of 85,000.
More than 30,000 fans were expected from Australia, while expected visitor numbers from traditional rugby markets like the United Kingdom, Ireland and France were also strong, at some 35,000 fans.
“This is tremendous news and a real sign of just how big Rugby World Cup 2011 will be for our country,” he said.
“The upsurge in support from overseas fans is a strong sign of confidence in our ability to host the biggest sporting event New Zealand has ever held.”
Snedden said the challenge in the coming weeks was to reach the ticket sales target, which he said was achievable.
“Our message to fans is, get in now, as many matches will sell out. Time is really running out,” he said.
Prime Minister John Key today said ticket sales were going well and there was a big up-tick in demand from overseas, particularly from Australia.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.