‘Our Race’ ticket sales up 65% from last year
BIC, Sakhir – Monday March 10, 2008:
Bahrain International Circuit has announced that ticket sales to the 2008 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix are up 65% from ticket sales this time last year.
Fans and enthusiasts have already bought their tickets and confirmed their attendance to the biggest sporting event in the region.
BIC Commercial Director, Steven Umfreville, said, “There is an obvious growing interest in the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix this year and it could not have happened without the phenomenal success that we saw in 2007 which saw a sell-out crowd of 90,000 people at the race weekend.” With sales, at this stage, already up by 65% Umfreville added that this would only increase as the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix neared.
Online ticket sales were also proving to be a greater hit than this time last year, as sales from the newly revamped website have gone up by 45%.
Umfreville highlighted that ticket sales were a clear indicator of the growing motor sport awareness being generated in the region. He said, “To many across the GCC, the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix has become the event of the year to attend, and of the fans attending, this year may be their third, fourth or even fifth Grand Prix. This loyalty between the fans and BIC is crucial and one which shows that every year, we are giving these people something more to come back to.
And more is on the list of things to see this year, as four support events sideline the region’s sporting event of the year.
On his expectations of a greater turnout at the fifth Grand Prix in Bahrain, Umfreville confirmed that the BIC is constructing an all-new stand for the upcoming race which will see an approximate 1600 seating capacity. It will overlook the start and finish line and will cater to Paddock Club guests.
The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix was first hosted on the island in 2004 and saw 45,000 spectators attend the three-day event, and this later increased to 90,000 during the 2007 race weekend.
Fans wishing to attend the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix this year can buy their tickets from the ticketing booth at Seef Mall or by visiting the online website www.bahraingp.com or calling the hotline on 17450000.
