In yet another surprise announcement, it was confirmed that tickets will now be released for sale to both the public and fans starting next Monday, 26th November at 10:00am CET. The official sale will be offered via the online portal Ticnet.se and via phone.
Ticketing will be offered to nine shows: two Dress Rehearsals for each Semi-Final and the Grand Final (scheduled the evenings and afternoons prior to the televised shows), plus the three live broadcasts on 14/16/18 May.
Prices will start at 10 Euros, and range up to a cost of approximately 216 euros for the Final.
As previously discussed on ESCInsight, fans will have exclusive access to tickets on the venue floor, with the option to purchase special ticketing packages including access to the jury dress rehearsal and subsequent live broadcast of each of the semis and the final. Since last weeks discussions between OGAE and the producers, it appears that a compromise has been reached, and so a limited set of seating will also be available for those fans who are unable to physically stand for the length of the shows.
As one has come to expect, the announcement has had some backlash amongst fans, mainly in regards to pricing and timing. Whilst one can understand that the length of warning for purchase has been short in lead-up, and particularly when considering that Christmas is just around the corner, the fact that ticket details have been released so far in advance of the shows is welcomed. Previous years have not seen ticketing released until the actual year of the contest, and for Baku, only 2 months prior to the events.
In regards to pricing, special fan packages are priced at 345 Euro; representing a discount when evaluated alongside those purchased via public sale for the 6 shows, and value for money when comparing to those of other big-name artist one-off concerts. Examining upcoming world tours…
- The cheapest Cliff Richard tickets for his gig in Sydney, Australia start at $150AUD (125 Euros).
- Rihannas‘ VIP standing tickets for Cardiff in the UK will cost up to 168 pounds (208 Euros).
- One Direction offer VIP tickets for the front ten rows (and throw in the soundcheck to the package) for a whopping $400 AUD (320 Euros).
Further information regarding the ticket sale for fans who have already registered interest will be communicated over the weekend by the relevant fan clubs. It is understood that up to 1800 standing tickets and 68 seating tickets will be available within exclusive sale period for members (26th of November to the 3rd of December), following which tickets on the venue floor will be open for sale for the general public.
Yes, when you compare prices with other ‘big-name gigs’ it doesnt seem so bad.