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Visa and FIFA Partner to Enhance 2010 FIFA World Cup Experience

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Visa and FIFA have teamed up to provide fans with various ways to purchase tickets to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Richelle Parham, Head of Global Marketing Services at Visa, stated, "Now that the opening matches have been set, the thrill and excitement of the FIFA World Cup is closer than ever." The U.S. Men's National Team will face England in their first match, and fans can purchase tickets through various channels, including FIFA's Third Ticket Sales Phase, FIFA's Tour Operators Program, MATCH Hospitality, and Team Specific Ticket Series packages.

Key Takeaways:

  • Fans can purchase tickets to the 2010 FIFA World Cup through FIFA's Third Ticket Sales Phase, which concluded on January 22, 2010.
  • Tickets can also be purchased through FIFA's Tour Operators Program at one of more than 50 participating tour operators.
  • MATCH Hospitality offers hospitality packages including match tickets for all 64 2010 FIFA World Cup matches.
  • Visa and Emirates Airline are offering Visa Signature cardholders an exclusive five percent discount on FIFA World Cup Final Match packages.
  • Tickets to the tournament can only be sold by companies commercially affiliated with FIFA, including official FIFA sponsors and commercial affiliates.
  • Visa credit, debit, and prepaid cards will be the only payment cards accepted, along with cash, at all FIFA venues and onsite stadium merchandise booths.
  • Visa has been a FIFA partner since 2007, with global rights to various FIFA events and competitions.
  • The partnership creates business building opportunities for Visa's partners and financial institution clients.

Statistics:

  • 100 two-person packages were offered worldwide for the FIFA World Cup Final Match packages.
  • Each package includes roundtrip airfare from an Emirates gateway city, two Category 1 match tickets for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final Match, transportation to/from the airport, and a three-night hotel stay.
  • The third ticket sales phase conducted by FIFA sold tickets to 1.1 million fans.
  • The total number of tickets available for sale through FIFA's ticketing system exceeded 3.2 million.

Sources:

  • www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/ticketing/index.html
  • www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/ticketing/01/03/02/39/pto_5.8.2009.pdf
  • www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/ticketing/authorisedticket.html
  • www.southafrica.net
  • www.thenewsmarket.com/visa
  • www.corporate.visa.com

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