GROUNDBREAKING PUBLIC TICKET BALLOT BRINGS NEW AUDIENCE TO RLWC2021
First ever ticket ballot in Rugby League proves a success as applications far exceed expectations
- Fans with a London postcode applied for the most tickets followed by Rugby League heartlands of Leeds, Manchester and Warrington
- 70 per cent of ticket applications came from fans who are new to Rugby League
- Tickets have been purchased from over 30 countries worldwide, across five continents - from the Rugby League heartlands of Australia and New Zealand to emerging markets in Brazil and Jamaica
- New and younger audience shows appeal of RLWC2021 with over half of applications coming from millennials
Applications for tickets to RLWC2021 ballot, the first in the sport’s history, have far exceeded expectations with fans in the United Kingdom and around the world grabbing the unique opportunity to be at Rugby League’s showpiece event.
The high demand for tickets during the Public Ticket Ballot included 70 per cent of ticket applications coming from fans who are new to Rugby League. Tickets were also in demand across the world with applications from 32 different countries across five continents and as far and wide as Brazil and Jamaica demonstrating the global appeal of the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup.
The new audience trend continued as the ballot brought in a younger demographic of fans with over half of applications coming from millennials. Excited fans were also applying in mass to be in with the best chance of securing tickets - the average number of tickets per application was 6 with more than 50% of applications being made for more than one match.
London, which will host the semi-final with the first ever non-football match taking place at Emirates Stadium on 20 November 2021, topped the ballot demand with the most applications coming from postcodes within the capital – even overshadowing ticket requests from the North of England.
Matches involving hosts England and top-ranked teams have been highly sought after but applications across all three tournaments were remarkable with a queue on the website right up until the ballot closed at 20:21 Monday (16 November). The trailblazing double header final at Old Trafford, Manchester on 27 November 2021, and the opening match between England and Samoa at St James’ Park, Newcastle remain the most popular fixtures.
The Public Ballot phase was supported by the ‘Squads Assemble’ campaign and launch film which was viewed over 1.5 million times as RLWC2021 invited the public to book their place at the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup in history.
In addition to the campaign, RLWC2021 released a declaration of hope written and performed by Manchester poet and proud Northerner Tony Walsh, on the one year to go milestone, 23 October 2020 to broaden the appeal of the tournament and excite fans outside of Rugby League.
RLWC2021 Chief Executive, Jon Dutton said: “The reaction to the ballot has been outstanding and shows significant confidence and excitement for the tournament. Demand during the Public Ticket Ballot has far exceeded our expectations and I want to thank those who have applied for tickets. This is a tournament of firsts and will be the biggest and best RLWC ever.
“Despite the pandemic people have made an early commitment largely based on anticipation, hope and optimism.
“I have no doubt that the fans will contribute to a wonderful atmosphere with a feeling of passion and pride, showcasing our fantastic host towns and cities, welcoming the world and creating lifelong memories for everyone attending.”
RLWC2021 Customer Director, Terri Lynam said: “The tournament is something people can look forward to, and the public can be assured, we will work tirelessly to deliver this tournament with full stadiums of fans.”
“We wanted the RLWC2021 to be the most affordable, accessible and inclusive sporting event taking place exclusively in England next year, so we developed a pricing structure to drive accessibility with children tickets from £2.21 and adults from as little as £10. We wanted to make this world-class sporting event open to as many fans as possible. The demand for tickets demonstrates the success of this strategy and reflects the excitement of the public here and all the fans around the world, helping us to grow the long-term fan base of the game.
Fans that applied for tickets during the Public Ticket Ballot will be notified before the end of November 2020 if they have been successful via email. The fans who missed out in either the Public Ticket Ballot or Rugby League Family Priority Access Sale will be prioritised again through a four day window between the 4-7 December 2020 with more details to be confirmed in the coming week.
Premium seats and Hospitality experiences are still on sale and available for all matches and will give fans the opportunity to secure a place at the tournament in addition to enjoying the best match day experience each venue has to offer. More details available at the rlwc2021.com/hospitality. Fans can also secure their ticket through booking their Squad Trip including accommodation and experiences all in one place - removing any pain of planning your trip and giving you a great choice across our host towns and cities. Squad Trips available via rlwc2021.com/squadtrips.
Notes to editors
ABOUT RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP 2021
The Rugby League World Cup is the pinnacle major event of rugby league, globally contested every four years. RLWC2021 will be a breakthrough moment in the tournament’s history with the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions being staged together for the first time.
The three tournaments will take place across 21 venues throughout England. Both the women’s and wheelchair competitions will be contested by two groups of four teams, whilst the men’s tournament will see 16 teams compete across four groups.
RLWC2021 will be the most visible rugby league event in history with all 61 games in the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions being broadcast live on the BBC.
Mission: Delivering the biggest and best ever Rugby League World Cup.
Vision: Creating inspirational moments that excite, engage and leave a long-lasting legacy.