Purchasing tickets to international sporting competitions was once a simple affair.
Tickets were released, and the fasted to the ticket booth was guaranteed the best tickets to big games – this, however, is not the case anymore.
Administering bodies now release tickets in phases as to maximise purchases, allowing for tour packages and corporate sales, and also to cater for ‘fairness’.
This focus on just distribution has instigated a movement away from the ‘first come, first served’ model toward a proportional fairness function whereby tickets are allocated (or balloted to use IRB vernacular) at random to ensure equal dispersion.
Simply, the IRB wants to give those who type with one finger, or with slow internet, a fighting chance at getting to the World Cup final.
Unfortunately, in most occasions, the general public get the short end of the stick.
While balloted allocation is ‘fair’ in the same way that random outcomes cannot favour any specific individual there are also flaws with the model. Corporate and travel packages, for instance, having first choice of tickets, a number of the best seats to the biggest games have already disappeared.
The online system can also be subjected to hacking through ‘botnets’ that allows for tickets to be illegally harvested by small groups at the expense of genuine consumers who are forced to by second-hand tickets at significant mark-ups.
But alas, it is most likely the most adequate method for ticket distribution however frustrating it may be.
There is a material price distribution between tickets, with the cheapest pool match starting at (AUD) $12.5 and ranging to $1342 (approximately) for front-row, grand final which should cater for everyone.
To obtain tickets, individuals register through the official RWC 2015 website.
For games that are not sold out you will be able to obtain a ticket directly, for sold-out games tickets will be distributed as above.
An individual can only purchase up to four tickets for themselves, family and friends – however, a group can obtain up to 15. Those lucky enough to be awarded tickets will be informed in October.
Given the lengths that the IRB and RFU has gone too to secure tickets and promote fair distribution it will not come as a surprise to know that there are few ways around the system.
There are, however, a few common-sense tactics that you can use to heighten the likelihood of securing tickets.
Firstly; apply for every game and, through the Match Manager tool, then cap the matches most important to you. While this isn’t fool-proof, those in charge of balloting may take pity.
Second; avoid home games in London. The 2015 Rugby World Cup will be played throughout the United Kingdom and thus, it goes without saying that matches played in less populous areas should (hypothetically) have less competition for tickets.
Alternatively, individuals can also buy tickets on the second-hand market however, this comes at the purchasers own risk.
To inhibit the exploitation of the online ticketing system the IRB and RFU has afforded stadiums the right to refuse entry to persons who try to attend matches with a ticket bought second hand.
Harsh? Yes – but nothing than can be done about it.
Given this information, and at this point in time, travel packages thus represent the only one way of guaranteeing tickets to the World Cup.
There are a variety of packages tailored to nations, pool matches and finals matches that include airfares and accommodation. You will also be seating with fellow compatriots to avoid any awkward moments during unsavoury times.
Tickets for the World Cup become available for purchase on September 12th, and will be announced in October. Remaining tickets will go on sale in November and will be sold on a ‘first in, first served’ basis.
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.
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