BRYAN Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter
AS THE countdown to the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 ticks nearer and nearer to single digits, the CEO of the Jamaica Local Organising Committee (LOC), Robert Bryan, has stated that his organisation is pleased with ticket sales thus far in the final phase.
While not providing specific numbers, Bryan indicated that the LOC was pleased with the public's response in regards to snatching up tickets since the final phase period began on February 1.
"I would describe ticket sales at this point as satisfactory," Bryan said while addressing members of the media at the ICC LOC head-quarters yesterday.
Last-minute buyers
"There are some matches that are almost sold out," the executive officer pointed out.
"The indications are that people are living up to the reputation of last-minute buyers, and we at the LOC are encouraged that that reputation seems to be being confirmed."
When the second phase of ticketing ended in November, it was reported that only half of the seats available throughout the region had been sold, prompting speculation that stiff visa regulations and ticket prices had caused some fans to stay away.
There was particular concern that some of the matches that did not involve home teams or big games would receive limited support.
However, according to Bryan, things have been picking up and while games like West Indies/Pakistan is almost sold out, lesser games like West Indies/Zimbabwe are 44 per cent sold.
Mobile offices
The organisation has however hit a snag as it relates to the immediate availability of tickets in areas outside of Kingston.
The LOC is now, therefore, making an attempt to make tickets available islandwide with a mobile ticket office. One is already functional in Trelawny and another is expected on the southcost of the island, which should address the problematic stipulation of tickets being sold at a 'clean' venue.
"We are under extreme pressure from the parishes in terms of making ticket point of sales available there," Bryan said. "The conditions and stipulations under which that has to be done make it almost impossible. However, we are working around the clock to try and get this done."
A clean venue is one which promotes no other sponsor than the ones involved in the Cricket World Cup.
