DOHA: The first batch of tickets for the highly anticipated AFC Asian Cup 2023 in Qatar has been swiftly sold out. In just a matter of days, since the ticket sales commenced, more than 150,000 tickets were snapped up by eager football fans.
This record demand reflects the immense anticipation surrounding this continental championship.
Fans from across the Asian continent have shown a tremendous level of interest, rushing to secure their seats for this extraordinary event. The local organizing committee for the tournament has confirmed that they will be releasing additional batches of tickets in the near future to meet the soaring demand.
Notably, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and India have emerged as the frontrunners in ticket purchases, representing the countries with the highest level of interest worldwide. Within the first 24 hours of ticket sales opening on October 10, a staggering total of 81,209 tickets were sold.
The stage is set for an exceptional tournament, with 24 national teams from Asia gearing up to compete in state-of-the-art stadiums that adhere to the highest global standards. The tournament is scheduled to run from January 12 to February 10, 2024, and it marks Qatar's third occasion hosting this prestigious competition, following their successful organization of the event in 1988 and 2011.
The AFC Asia Cup 2023 will kick off with an exciting match between Qatar, the host nation and defending champions, and Lebanon. This much-anticipated event will take place at the magnificent Lusail Iconic Stadium, boasting a capacity of around 88,000 spectators, and will also host the grand final.
The organizers have made the tournament accessible to a broad range of fans by offering tickets for group stage matches starting at just QR25. These tickets can be conveniently purchased online through the official ticket sales website (http://asiancup2023.qa), and for fans from abroad, the same platform is available for ticket purchase. Importantly, the "Haya" card is not a mandatory requirement for entry into the stadiums.
Fans can choose from a variety of ticket packages to attend matches involving their favourite teams. All stadiums hosting the tournament have taken care to provide easily accessible seating, including sections designed for individuals with special needs and those with limited mobility. This ensures a comfortable and inclusive experience for all attendees.
With Qatar's compact geographical layout, attendees will have the unique opportunity to witness multiple matches in a single day, as the furthest distance between any two tournament stadiums is just 75 kilometers.
International visitors will be able to stay in one location throughout the event, thanks to Qatar's modern infrastructure, including roads and the Doha Metro network, which ensures seamless transportation between the nine tournament stadiums.
A notable environmentally-friendly feature of this edition of the AFC Asia Cup is the use of digital tickets. All tickets for the 2023 tournament will be available in digital format, and they can be presented as electronic tickets on mobile phones.
This innovative approach eliminates the need for fans to rely on internet connectivity while at the stadiums, promoting sustainability and a paperless experience.
For those fans who may need to resell their tickets, an official ticket resale platform for the tournament is available, facilitating a secure and convenient process. The AFC Asia Cup 2023 promises not only to be an extraordinary football competition but also a benchmark for an eco-conscious, fan-friendly, and inclusive event.