Final two days to request Olympic tickets; VANOC encourages Canadians not to delay ticket requests

Nov 5, 2008

Vancouver, BC — With only two days left in the Phase 1 Request Period of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games ticketing program, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) is advising Canadians not to wait until the last moment before requesting tickets. This is the public’s best chance to request tickets; the deadline is midnight, on Friday, November 7, 2008 (Pacific Time).

“Interest and new accounts have been increasing every day, and clearly Canadians are enthusiastic about attending the Games. Our data shows that they are taking some time to complete their requests and are building their ticket requests over several days as they consider their options with friends and family,” said Caley Denton, vice-president, ticketing and consumer marketing. “So with only two days remaining, our message is simple: this is your best chance to get Olympic tickets, so give yourself enough time and don’t wait until the last minute.”

“I hope that our Canadian Olympic Team will have stands full of cheering fans for all of the action. The Olympic Winter Games will have it all, and there’s no emotion like being there when it happens,” said Nathalie Lambert, a four-time Olympic medallist in speed skating, and chef de mission for the Canadian Olympic Team for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Please visit www.vancouver2010.com for more information.

Background information (Canadian Olympic athletes’ quotes)

Other Canadian athletes echoed Nathalie Lambert about the positive impact of having stands full of cheering Canadian fans at Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games events:

“Our backyard will become the greatest stage the world has ever seen for winter sport, and I can't wait to hear the Canadian fans cheer us on. It will be truly incredible.” Steve Omischl, two-time Olympian, freestyle skiing.

“I'll never forget the feeling of being on the start line in my first Olympic Games. With all of Canada urging me forward and giving me strength . . . it gave me wings on the day. The thought of competing in my own country inspires me each and every day as I prepare for the race of my life, in Canada at the Olympic Games.” Clara Hughes, five-time Olympic Winter Games medallist, speed skating.

“I have not experienced anything more exciting than playing in front of 20,000 passionate Canadian hockey fans. It’s like having the seventh man on your side. It gives you that little bit of extra energy when the tank is empty,” Hayley Wickenheiser, three-time Olympic Winter Games medallist, ice hockey.

“The only thing that will help us more than home-field advantage in 2010 is having that home field filled with loud, crazy Canadian fans. I’m still in my sport because the next Olympic Games are here at home, in Canada. I want to perform my best and represent all Canadians — right to the top of the podium.” Jeff Pain, Olympic Winter Games medallist, skeleton.

Contact
VANOC Communications
mediarelations@vancouver2010.com