PyeongChang 2018: Record ticket sales

Ticket sales for the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games have reached 320,531, breaking the record for the most tickets sold for a Winter Games edition.

By Monday evening sales had surpassed the 316,200 that were sold for the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games. Sales are now also almost double the 162,974 that were sold for the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games, highlighting the growing global interest in Paralympic sport.

Friday’s Opening Ceremony was attended by 21,000 people (72.5 per cent of tickets sold) while 105,966 people purchased tickets for the first three days of competition (turn-out rate 75 per cent).

The three most well attended sessions so far have been:

• Wheelchair curling morning session on 12 March had an attendance of 86 per cent for the South Korea versus Canada match

• Para Ice hockey on 10 March. South Korea versus Japan had an attendance of 82 per cent

• The evening session of wheelchair curling on 12 March had an attendance of 81 per cent for the South Korea versus Germany match

With six days of competition still remaining, the PyeongChang 2018 Organising Committee (POCOG) has sold 90 per cent of tickets for all remaining sessions. There remains availability for all sessions including the medal matches for wheelchair curling and Para ice hockey, as well as Sunday’s Closing Ceremony.

Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: “It is fantastic news that PyeongChang 2018 has now sold a record number of tickets to the Paralympic Winter Games, beating the record previously set in Sochi.

“After three days of competition, the response from the athletes and Koreans has been outstanding. Athletes are thriving on the energetic support from the crowds and are delivering some exceptional performances as a result.

“These Games are record breaking in more ways than one. With more athletes, countries, media and broadcasters than ever before, it is great that the ticket record has fallen so quickly. I now hope POCOG can increase the sales target further with six days of competition still to go.”

POCOG President Mr LEE Hee-beom said, "We are delighted with the record ticket sales that we have achieved at PyeongChang 2018. The people of South Korea have embraced the passion of the Games and many are experiencing para sports for the very first time.

"The number of visitors from overseas has also been a joy to see - lots of flags and fancydress on show at the venues, creating a wonderful atmosphere and stage for these amazing athletes to perform.

"We have six more days of action to enjoy and I would encourage everyone to come and share this special moment with us."