New Zealand's plans for the 2010 World Rowing Championships will make the event unique in rowing history. For the first time, an extra day is added to the programme for a spectacular Opening Ceremony at this year's event at Lake Karapiro. And, in another Kiwi innovation, top NZ bands are joining the party throughout the week to create an unforgettable atmosphere for spectators.
Despite the recession, we've made a tremendous start by selling more than 20,000 tickets and raising NZ$5.8 million in cash and kind sponsorship," says CEO Tom Mayo. "That means we've been able to focus on creating an amazing party around the rowing competition. There will be something for everyone off the water as New Zealand welcomes the world to the World Rowing Championships."
The Opening Ceremony on Saturday 30 October will begin with a nostalgic look back at the 1978 Championships, the last time the event was held in NZ, followed by a flotilla of water craft with athletes and celebrities celebrating the history of the oldest Olympic sport and the success of NZ rowers – and other sports – over the years. The formal part of the Ceremony will include a powhiri in the presence of the Maori King and the official flag-raising. A 90-minute gig from top NZ rockers OPSHOP will bring the day to a close.
"OPSHOP can't wait to play at the opening of the World Rowing Champs," says OPSHOP's lead singer Jason Kerrison. "New Zealand has always punched above their weight in this global sport and we're looking forward to throwing our support behind our best rowers as they take on the world! "
"There's more world class entertainment every day after the excitement of the racing," says Mayo. "Gin Wigmore, Autozamm and The Lady Killers are just some of our headline acts. And we've joined forces with the First Tuesday NZ Trust to broadcast the Melbourne Cup live on our big screens. All this is included in the price of the ticket."
Entertainment highlights during the week include:
- Saturday 30 October: OPSHOP
- Tuesday 2 November: The Melbourne Cup live on the big screens
- Thursday 4 November: Autozamm
- Friday 5 November: Gin
- Sunday 7 November: The Lady Killers and DJ General Lee
- Every day: Kidzone, DJs and bands
"We've worked hard to keep our ticket prices affordable during these difficult economic times," says Mayo. "Tickets for the Opening Ceremony with OPSHOP start at just $19.95. And fans can watch the NZ crews go for gold on Finals days for $59.95 and up. World class racing, top NZ bands and free Park & Ride all included."
From 19 July, single day grandstand tickets and weekend finals grandstand ticket packages go on sale at all Ticketek outlets. This gives spectators new options to add to the nine day Grandstand season tickets and daily General Admission tickets. Ticket prices start at just $19.95 for daily General Admission. See www.ticketek.co.nz for full details.
For the first time, there will be four days of medal finals at the World Rowing Championships after FISA, the international rowing federation, revised the traditional format in preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
"With over 3 months to go, we have already sold more tickets than the World Championships in Poland last year," says Mayo. "Our goal is to set records on and off the water. We're looking to sell 50,000+ tickets and with the quality of competition, the support for NZ rowing and the entertainment off the water, I think we can do it."
