The Hong Kong Rugby Football Union yesterday risked the wrath of the masses by raising ticket prices by 15 per cent for the 2010 Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens.
Despite the economic downturn, the price of an adult ticket at next year's tournament has been increased to HK$1,250, up from this year's HK$1,080, with a children's ticket remaining at HK$300.
All the money from the price increase would go towards the development of a new sports ground in Tin Shui Wai, union officials said.
'We lack facilities out there, and the union is putting as much money as possible towards increasing facilities,' HKRFU general manager John Jackson said. 'This requires a heavy investment. All the money derived from the ticket price increase will be directed into our facilities fund.
'The Sevens is the major income source for the union, and we have an obligation to continue to pay for the growth and development of rugby in Hong Kong. We have taken a strategic decision to increase these prices and this is to primarily fund the growth in development at all levels,' Jackson added.
The HKRFU has invested HK$65million into providing facilities at King's Park and Sandy Bay. The tenancy at King's Park, which has three pitches, is also used by other sports such as softball and soccer's Yau Yee League.