‘Overpriced’: Springbok stadium ticket costs ignite controversy
Should ticket prices for more Springboks stadium matches be made more affordable for the public, or should the current profit-driven system continue?
TV and radio personality Dan Corder has ignited a debate regarding the ticket prices for watching the Springboks play live at local stadiums.
This follows the South African rugby squad playing a series of test matches around the country, including at Loftus, Ellis Park, DHL Stadium, and Kings Park Stadium.
DAN CORDER: ‘SPRINGBOKS TICKET PRICES ARE EXORBITANT’
On his social media account, Dan Corder – a former 5FM presenter – shared his views about ticket prices for watching the Springboks at local stadiums. The eTV news presenter mentioned the DHL Stadium, to be specific, which hosted the Boks vs All Blacks game over the weekend.
Tickets at the stadium were priced from R250 upwards, with a special ballot process selecting rugby fans for the cheapest option.
Dan said in a video clip, “Tons of tickets were priced at exorbitant rates. Many tickets are being sold at over R3 000 and R4 000. Those are official ticket sales, not from scalpers.
“Think of the millions of Capetonians who couldn’t even think about going to watch that game. Instead, the very wealthy got to watch the game.”
To make matters worse, Corder referred to the fact that the game was not broadcast on the SABC platforms. This meant that millions of South Africans who were not DStv Premium subscribers were unable to watch the Springboks take on the All Blacks.
Addressing Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie, he said: “If you really want to make a meaningful difference, you need to change the way that we distribute ticketing to the Springboks games. So that more, everyday South Africans can watch the Springboks.
“That would be a legacy to be proud of.”
MIXED REACTIONS FROM RUGBY FANS
While the principle of making tickets accessible to ordinary South Africans was an honourable one, many social media users agreed that it was a bad business move. Some even mentioned the ripple effect it could have on the sport and players.
@jndub: “It’s called a free market. The more money SARU makes, the more they can pay local players and keep them here instead of them playing abroad. Is that not a good thing?”
@quintindavis: “Supply and demand have driven the world since the dawning of civilisation”.
@grahamvivian: “There were cheaper tickets, but the reality is that the demand was high. Over 240,000 applications for the available tickets. This is one of the ways SARU can afford to remain at the top of the game. They use money to afford the best coaches and provide facilities needed to keep the team on top.”
Others shared their views on what should happen…
@thabo_magaiva32: “Getting rugby on the SABC is more impactful than cheaper ticket stadiums.”
@Stu5Kart: “NO, what needs to happen is that SABC needs to show the games!”
@samolckers: “Why aren’t you fighting Multichoice for the ridiculous pricing? Then, why aren’t you fighting @SABC_Sport for depriving the people? There are costs that need to be covered, and people need to get paid.”