ACB reports ticket sales boom for 2002-03 season

The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) today reported a $1.7 million increase in sales on last year, only one month after tickets were released for the 2002-03 international season.

Sales for this year's Orange Test Series, VB Series and Australia A matches total $3.2 million to date, up $2.1 million from 1998-99, when England and Sri Lanka last visited Australian shores for a summer of cricket.

More than 76,000 people have purchased tickets for the 2002-03 calendar of international matches, up 49,000 from last season and 44,000 from 1998-99.

ACB General Manager, Commercial Operations, David Fouvy, said the significant increase in total sales can be partly attributed to consumer anticipation of an exciting England/Australia Ashes series.

"There is significant national and international interest in the Ashes Tests this summer," Mr Fouvy said.

"The five-match Orange Test Series has seen an outstanding increase in ticket sales compared to last season, with the Sydney and Adelaide markets performing particularly well."

Mr Fouvy said the increased interest in the VB Series could be linked to new ticket sales strategies.

"While there is obvious interest in the VB Series as an indicator of the teams' form ahead of the 2003 World Cup, we also believe the addition of online initiatives and ticket packaging concepts has improved our position to date," Mr Fouvy said.

"Tickets for matches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground this season went on sale online at www.ticketmaster7.com in June, one month before they were available at Ticketmaster7 outlets, and this has brought solid results."

Ticket packaging strategies have also helped sales. Adelaide consumers have welcomed the value of a three-pack concept, which enables fans to purchase tickets to two VB Series matches and one Australia A game together.

Mr Fouvy said an excellent first month of sales augers well for good attendance figures this season.

"Our latest report states that we are tracking extremely well, but it is important that an upward trend continues," he said.

"There are still plenty of tickets left for international cricket at all venues this summer."

The international season begins on 7 November, when Australia and England do battle in the First Orange Test at the Gabba in Brisbane.

The Australia versus England day/night clash on 13 December at the Sydney Cricket Ground opens the 2002-03 VB Series.

Tickets for the international series can be purchased from the following outlets:

New South Wales - Ticketek Phone: 02 9266 4800 or www.ticketek.com

Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia - Ticketmaster7 Phone: 1300 136 122 or www.ticketmaster7.com

South Australia - Venue*Tix Phone: 08 8225 8888 or www.venuetix.com.au