CWG: Ticket sales pick up after rave reviews-Oct 5, 2010,

CWG: Ticket sales pick up after rave reviews

TNN, Oct 5, 2010, 02.14am IST


NEW DELHI: The glowing reviews the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games received seem to have stimulated popular interest in the sporting event with ticket sales recording an upswing after having stuttered in the run up to the Games.

Sale of tickets for athletics, swimming and gymnastics have picked up while there is now a demand for sports like rugby as well. Though the CWG rugby field is highly competitive and does not lack quality, the sport is alien to India and the interest it has generated has surprised organisers.

Even tickets for a sedate discipline like lawn bowls are selling well with the first lot put up by the OC having sold out. Tickets for gymnastic were in demand earlier as well -- as compared with other sports -- but it now seems the event will be staged before a packed house. The higher sales have boosted the spirits of the Organising Committee officials.

Sources attributed the jump in sales to the opening gala going off well and also due to the public being finally convinced in the last week or so that the Games will indeed rollout properly. Sunday's ceremony has given a leg up to the Games. "The opening event is the most watched event of any Games millions worldwide. It sets the mood for the Games," said an official.

While OC officials said various segments of the event were practised through July and August, others said the final push in getting the massive redone Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium ready for the show was also critical. The state of JLN's facilities including the ground had been cause for worry apart from the task of clearing large amounts of debris.

Among other sports that are catching interest of spectators are badminton with expectations that India will be do well. Tennis is traditionally a popular sport with some big names in the game like Leander Paes and Sania Mirza giving India a favourites ranking.

Officials did point out that while athletics was drawing more attention, it did not mean the JLN Stadium with a 60,000 plus capacity would fill up. But with tickets being priced moderately -- the more expensive ones cost Rs 750 -- the view from the spectator stands was good. With better weather in store a day out watching track and field events would be an attractive option.

The OC has also been encouraged by the queues at box offices selling tickets at designated points in the city. It is felt that daily sales are likely to remain brisk.