The Rugby World Cup 2021 is on track to break the world record for attendance at a women’s Rugby World Cup, with over 30,000 tickets snapped up for the opening day at Eden Park.
The tournament is set to begin in just eight days and will also be the largest ever attendance at a standalone women’s sports match day in New Zealand.
Should the opening event become the most attended women’s Rugby World Cup match day ever, it will surpass the 2014 sold-out finals day at the 20,000-capacity Stade Jean-Bouin stadium in France, as well as the 2017 finals day which welcomed 17,115 rugby fans.
Records show that the largest attendance for a women’s sporting match in New Zealand was the 2008 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup final between North Korea and the US at North Harbour Stadium, which attracted 16,162 guests.
Tickets start at NZ$20 (£10/$11/€12) for adults and NZ$ for children.
Rugby World Cup 2021 tournament director Michelle Hooper said: “We came out just over a year ago with a bold ambition to set a new world record for attendance at a women’s Rugby World Cup match on opening match day at Eden Park. We put our faith in Kiwis to get behind this kaupapa and show up for the stars of the women’s game competing here on the world-stage.
“To have already surpassed that record with one week still to go is an incredible testament to our people and their support for this vision, and also the very special manaakitanga within our sporting community here in Aotearoa.
“We’re breaking new ground with this tournament and now want to see if we can secure another record first for New Zealand and for women’s rugby by filling Eden Park. We believe it is possible and are over-turning every rock in the process to bring this vision to life. A moment all New Zealanders can be proud of.”
World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin added: “The wait is nearly over, the teams have arrived, and New Zealand is ready to get the party started – rugby’s great family reunion. With tickets selling fast and the opening match day at Eden Park set to be a very special and record-breaking experience, fans should secure their place now to avoid disappointment.”
The women’s rugby tournament was postponed in March 2021 due to ongoing fears surrounding COVID-19. Revised dates were announced in May last year with the tournament now taking place October 8 until November 12.