Snedden told Stuff.co.nz that there were still NZ$26 million (US$22.2 million) worth of tickets available with the competition’s kick-off set in New Zealand for September 9. Organisers are hoping to sell a total of $268.5 million, although Snedden explained that further sales during the event will boost overall turnover.
“People think the tickets need to be sold before the event, but (there is also) once things are up and running,” Snedden said. “The closer we get to the tournament, more and more tickets are selling...the general mood is very positive, the stress is dropping away.” Around $8.5 million worth of tickets have been sold in the past three weeks and $4.2 million have been shifted in the past week.
Snedden was in Australia last week for a final marketing push to help meet the ticket target, but Australia’s triumph in the Tri-Nations is expected to boost sales. International Rugby Board chief executive Mike Miller added that, although there were “lots of little issues” to be aware of, he was satisfied with preparations for the tournament.
“You may find there aren't any tickets available for the match you want to go to or at the price you want,” Miller said, urging New Zealanders to seize the opportunity to watch the action. “You're not getting the Rugby World Cup back here for a long time.”