Tomorrow (4 Oct), fans will finally have a chance to stake their claim on the event of the summer, with tickets to the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch on sale at 9AM sharp on Ticketek.
Event Director Karl Budge says you’d better act fast or risk missing out, with only 5,000 Fan Village tickets up for grabs after significant presale demand exhausted other categories.
“We’ve been thrilled with the level of interest so far,” Budge says. “Tomorrow we’ll take just 5,000 grandstand tickets to market after selling out of our corporate hospitality within 24 hours and our Platinum Lawn just as fast. For the remaining general admission, we purposely limited how many tickets were available in the presale but if demand is anything like we’ve seen so far, you will want to get in quick.”
Unfolding over two action-packed days of racing on the spectacular Whakaraupō, Lyttelton Harbour, SailGP makes its New Zealand debut on 18-19 March 2023 and Budge says fans are in for a treat.
“SailGP is one of the world’s most exhilarating racing experiences, with nine teams competing in short, sharp fleet races close to shore, and no shortage of thrills, spills and boat-on-boat action. This will be a totally different format to what Kiwis are used to and we can’t wait to bring it to Lyttelton,” he says.
Along the final stretch of the racecourse, the Fan Village will offer a festive raceday atmosphere and grandstand seating just metres from the course. Ticket holders will be able to experience nine identical foiling catamarans hurtling past at thrilling speeds while enjoying live entertainment and a curated offering from some of Christchurch’s best-known restaurants.
Budge says, “The Fan Village will really try to replicate what you see out on the water. The atmosphere will be all about creating excitement, delivering unique experiences and equally - taking the opportunity to redefine what New Zealanders think they know about sailing.”
Tracey Wilson, ChristchurchNZ’s Acting General Manager of Destination & Attraction says, “Hosting a major international sailing event will be a first for Christchurch and Whakaraupō, Lyttelton Harbour will be a stunning location for this exciting event. We’re excited to show off this beautiful natural amphitheatre to a global audience, for them to see how significant it is to mana whenua and for the city to enjoy the atmosphere, economic benefits and long-term legacy impacts that come with a major international event like the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix.”
With all eyes on Whakaraupō, Lyttelton Harbour, the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix will mark the 10th event of the Season 3 calendar and the final stop before teams make their way to San Francisco for the Grand Final. Visiting Ōtautahi, Christchurch over the weekend, New Zealand SailGP Team Driver Peter Burling says he and the team are fizzing to come down.
“Lyttelton is a world-class sailing destination and shaping up to be one of the most exciting venues on the SailGP calendar - with amphitheatre style seating and some of the best on-land viewing you can get. It’s been awesome to see so much momentum building behind the team and we can’t wait to get back out there and race in front of fans at home,” Burling said.
Find out more about ticket categories at sailgp.com/newzealand
Tickets available from 9AM on 4 October at Ticketek.co.nz
