In celebration of exactly a year to the IAAF World Championships Daegu 2011 to be held from 27 August to 4 September 2011, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) launched its much-anticipated ticket sales to the public in downtown Daegu today.
"Today marks one year to the most prestigious athletics championships in the world," said Daegu Mayor Bum-Il Kim in his speech. "As mayor of Daegu, it is my honour and privilege to launch the ticket sales to the IAAF World Championships Daegu 2011."
The LOC held a press conference for the foreign and local media at the Novotel this morning, and launched the ticket sales in a public ceremony in the evening. Dignitaries and the public who attended the countdown event were treated to a laser and fireworks show. Sarbi, the lovable Official Mascot, was also on hand to mingle with the crowd.
Daegu 2011 will be the first IAAF World Championships to feature the new competition timetable, with its compact and exciting format guaranteed to attract new legions of athletics fans.
"The IAAF is extremely pleased with progress made so far by the organisers, and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure that these will be the best ever World Championships," said IAAF President Lamine Diack in a video message.
He added, "I am delighted that the Korean national government designated the 2011 World Championships as a ‘Major National Project', bringing more governmental support, which is crucial to the success of a major global sports event."
The LOC has developed a variety of attractive discounts for those who purchase their tickets early. For example, there will be a 10 percent discount for tickets purchased before 31 March 2011.
To celebrate the D-1 Year countdown event, there will be an additional 10 percent discount for tickets purchased within a month of the ticket sales launch (i.e. between 27 August and 30 September this year).
Furthermore, the LOC will offer an exclusive 4-day, 3-night tour package for two to Daegu. The package includes roundtrip air tickets and accommodation in a top-tier hotel for three nights. Starting bid for the eBay ticket auction will commence from USD 9.58, in celebration of the Men's 100m World Record set by the world's fastest man, Usain Bolt.
The Opening Ceremony will be held between 19:00 and 20:00 on 27 August 2011. Ticket prices range between KRW 20,000 (approximately USD 20) for the uppermost-level seats, and KRW 150,000 (approximately USD 150) for the premier seats closest to the Finish Line.
For the Category A and B seats (i.e. non-premier seats) on other competition days, prices range from KRW 10,000 to KRW 20,000 for the morning sessions, and KRW 20,000 to KRW 40,000 for the evening sessions.
The premier seats for the evening sessions are categorised into Premier F (seats closest to the Finish Line) and Premier S (seats closest to the Start Line). Premier seats guarantee optimum view of the excitement at the Start and Finish lines, as well as the option of hospitality services in comfortable lounges.
In addition, parking tickets will be issued if more than four premier tickets are purchased together. Premier tickets with hospitality services cost between KRW 80,000 for Premier S seats and KRW 100,000 for Premier F seats.
Full day tickets are also available between KRW 25,000 and KRW 125,000, with the exception of the Opening Ceremony and days without morning sessions. Finally, season tickets for the full 9-day competition period cost between KRW 200,000 and KRW 850,000.
For more information about ticket sales and the IAAF World Championships Daegu 2011, please visit the LOC Web-site at http://www.daegu2011.org.