China’s National Games: high demand predicted as ticket launch ups anticipation
Sales will be in phases from August 28, using real-name registration, as sports minister Rosanna Law backs system to deter scalping
Ticket arrangements for November’s National Games were unveiled on Wednesday, amid expectations of high demand and growing excitement among Hong Kong’s athletes, with a leading coach relishing “showcasing the best city in the world”.
Sales of tickets to watch the Games will be conducted in phases, with the first batch to be available from August 28, organisers said at a joint press conference held in Guangzhou by representatives from Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau, the three hosting regions.
An official ticketing platform has been launched and will use a real-name registration system, which Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said could help prevent scalping.
“The real-name registration is a relatively good and reliable method,” Law said. “If the tickets are transferred, [the authorities] will also pay close attention to this arrangement.”
She called for the public to snap up tickets and support the athletes, adding that residents should buy them via official channels and refrain from acquiring them second-hand.
Ticket prices will be spread over nine tiers, ranging from 30 to 800 yuan (HK$33 to HK$875, US$4 to US$111). More than five million will be made available in total, the organisers said, with the public able to register to receive advance information.