Pacific Games opening ceremony tickets 'expected to run out soon' - organisers

11:19 am on 1 November 2023
Pacific Games Mascot

Pacific Games Mascot Photo: sol2023.com.sb

Tickets for the opening ceremonies of the 2023 Pacific Games are selling fast, with the Games Organising Committee expecting a sell-out crowd on 19 November.

Ticketing revenue supervisor Mike Vereseni has revealed that ticket sales for the opening ceremony are the most purchased ticket type as members of the public started buying them last week when they went on sale.

Vereseni said tickets for the opening and closing ceremonies are limited and he is urging people to buy them as soon as they can.

"To avoid disappointment don't delay or wait until the last minute," Vereseni said on the Games website.

"Family members and individuals who intend to purchase tickets should do so earlier. We forecast that opening ceremony tickets will run out soon based on the purchase rate and demand."

Tickets for the opening and closing ceremonies cost SB$200 (NZ$40) for each event.

A package ticket for the whole two-week event, minus the opening and closing ceremonies, costs SB$1,000 per head.

The Sports City ticket package costs $500 and you can watch all competitions hosted at the National Stadium, Aquatic Center and the Friendship Hall.

Vereseni said other Games' tickets are also on sale and expected to be picked up closer to the Games.

Tickets are being sold only at the Point Cruz Telekom branch in Honiara and no tickets will be sold in the provincial centers.

Verenisi added they will set up booths in other parts of the city from next week where tickets will be sold.

The tickets have security features to avoid being duplicated or scammed.

There are also venues where people watch all sports games for free and this includes the DC Park, Honiara City Council Sport Precinct, Golf Club and the Hockey Pitch.

Sailing on track

Meanwhile, the DC Park site to host the Pacific Games sailing competition next month is on track as volunteers and equipment are ready for the bump-in period.

Sailing sport competition manager Patrick Maelaua said they have signed up 25 volunteers who will be assisting with on-shore activities and out at sea with the participating teams.

Sailing sports during the Pacific Games will run from 20-25 November for the first series and then 27 November to 2 December for the second series.

DC Water Sports Park will also host open water swimming and Va'a, while touch rugby and archery sports will also be hosted at the park's playing grounds.