Industry News

Winter Paralympics breaks sales record

Pyeongchang 2018 has broken the Paralympic Winter Games sales record after selling more than 320,500 tickets.

The Opening Ceremony, which took place on Friday, saw more than 21,000 people in attendance, which was 72.5 per cent of tickets sold.

The Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games saw 316,200 tickets sold, which this year’s event surpassed yesterday (Monday). Sales are now also almost double the 162,974 that were sold for the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games, highlighting the growing global interest in Paralympic sport.

With six days of competition still remaining, the Organising Committee (POCOG) has sold 90 per cent of tickets for all remaining sessions. There remains availability for all sessions including the medal matches for wheelchair curling and para ice hockey, as well as Sunday’s Closing Ceremony.

Andrew Parsons, IPC president, said: “It is fantastic news that PyeongChang 2018 has now sold a record number of tickets to the Paralympic Winter Games, beating the record previously set in Sochi.

“After three days of competition, the response from the athletes and Koreans has been outstanding.  Athletes are thriving on the energetic support from the crowds and are delivering some exceptional performances as a result.

“These Games are record breaking in more ways than one.  With more athletes, countries, media and broadcasters than ever before, it is great that the ticket record has fallen so quickly.  I now hope POCOG can increase the sales target further with six days of competition still to go.”

The three most well-attended sessions so far have been wheelchair curling, which had an attendance of 86 per cent for the South Korea versus Canada match. The para ice hockey event between the home nation and Japan had an 82 per cent attendance, while the evening session of wheelchair curling had an attendance of 81 per cent.

POCOG president Lee Hee-beom said: “We are delighted with the record ticket sales that we have achieved at PyeongChang 2018. The people of South Korea have embraced the passion of the Games and many are experiencing para sports for the very first time.

“The number of visitors from overseas has also been a joy to see – lots of flags and fancy dress on show at the venues, creating a wonderful atmosphere and stage for these amazing athletes to perform.

“We have six more days of action to enjoy and I would encourage everyone to come and share this special moment with us.”

Image: Australian Paralympic Committee