World Rugby gives 2020 Hong Kong Sevens green light as ticket sales similar to 2003 Sars outbreak
- HKRU once again acknowledges special circumstances this coming year, noting ticket demand is around same level as 2003 when the Sars outbreak was ongoing
- Local demand for tickets remain high and overseas travel packages are selling at normal rate
Despite the cancellation of the Hong Kong Football Tens, World Rugby has given its stamp of approval for the Cathay Pacific/HSBC 2020 Hong Kong Sevens to go forward from April 3-5, while ticket sales are reminiscent of another crisis the city endured some 16 years ago.
World Rugby’s head of competitions and performance Mark Egan said they conducted a site visit in November and had a number of operational meetings with the Hong Kong Rugby Union, government representatives and other stakeholders and “remain confident” the city can host the 2020 version of the popular sporting event, which will be the 45th edition.
“The safety and convenience of athletes and spectators is the highest priority for both World Rugby and the HRKU,” said Egan in a statement. “And we will continue to engage closely with the host union, the participating teams and other relevant parties to deliver another safe and enjoyable Hong Kong tournament.”
Numerous sporting events, including the 100km Oxfam Trailwalker, Prudential Hong Kong Open tennis tournament, the 2020 Hong Kong Formula E-Prix, the The Hong Kong ASTC Sprint Triathlon Asian Cup, the Asian Aquathlon Championships, the Cross Harbour Swim, the Hammer Cyclothon and the Hong Kong Squash Open, and recently, a second race day at the Happy Valley racetrack, have been cancelled over the past seven months owing to ongoing protests in the city.
However clashes between police and protesters has appeared to have calmed down in the past few weeks after a local election and stand-off at Polytechnic University. HKRU chief executive officer Robbie McRobbie said they have always remained confident the sevens would take place, and want fans to know the time is now to get tickets.
“Our position hasn’t changed,” said McRobbie. “We remain 100 per cent confident we can put on another fantastic event.”
The HKRU also stated that more than half of its overseas travel packages have already been sold, and virtually all of their local club ticket offerings have been purchased. They further stated demand is “holding steady”, they already have 12,000 request for the 9,000 tickets (which is open until February 10) so far and that numbers are similar to 2003 when the Sars outbreak affected the Hong Kong economy and 33,000 tickets were sold out of a potential 40,000. McRobbie said he is confident they will still sell out 2020’s event by the time April rolls around.
McRobbie added they are not denying the fact there have been serious questions as of late when it comes to large-scale sporting events in the city.
“We understand the circumstances are different this year, and we are doing everything in our power to make sure this is another great event for the fans.”
McRobbie said the other events scheduled to take place alongside the sevens, which includes the All Girls International Rugby Sevens, the Doddie Dinner, various Laureaus Sport for Good Foundation activities and the Kowloon RugbyFest 10s, are still on track. He said the Kowloon event has already booked teams from various continents including North America, Europe and Africa.
Tickets for the 2020 tournament at Hong Kong Stadium remain at HK$1,950 for a full three-day pass, with single day ticket prices for the Friday HK$350 and the Saturday and Sunday both priced at HK$800. The World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series will be added to the 2020 edition, along with the men’s series competition and qualifier tournament.
Along with McRobbie making two previous statements assuring fans the tournament is a go, new HKRU chairman Patrick Donovan also commented on preparations amid an uncertain climate in the city.
