The U.S. "will have an overwhelming crowd advantage" at the Women's World Cup Final on Sunday at BC Place, as within minutes of the team defeating Germany in Tuesday's semifinal, tickets on the secondary market "skyrocketed in price, with the vast majority of purchasers" from the U.S., according to Martin Rogers of USA TODAY. It is "expected to be the biggest crowd advantage in men's or women's World Cup history for a final that does not involve the host nation." A StubHub report on Wednesday showed that 88% of tickets sold on the site "had been purchased by U.S. accounts." In addition, 11% "had been snapped up by Canadians," with just 1% combined "for all other nations." Furthermore, many of the tickets purchased from Canada are "destined to end up in American hands." With "soccer hotbeds of Seattle and Portland just a few hours drive away, Vancouver will be flooded with red, white and blue clad visitors this weekend" (USA TODAY, 7/2).
SUPPORTERS GROUP: In Vancouver, Bruce Constantineau reports the first 49 games of the 52-game tournament "drew about 1,246,000 fans to the six host cities across Canada, eclipsing the previous record of 1,194,000 fans" set when the U.S. hosted the 32-game '99 Women’s World Cup. Canadian Soccer Association General Secretary Peter Montopoli "expects the final attendance figure will range anywhere from 1.3 million to 1.35 million spectators, making it the most attended FIFA event in history, outside of the men’s World Cup." Montopoli noted the Canadian team "attracted an average of 48,000 fans to its five World Cup games." Montopoli: "What other national team sport can draw 48,000 people on a consistent basis?” City of Vancouver Sport Hosting Manager Michelle Collens said that the city’s FanZone near BC Place "attracted more than 89,000 visitors during its first nine opening dates, including 21,508" on the day of the Canada-England quarterfinal match. Collens: “It really picked up momentum as the tournament went on and word of mouth got out about the FanZone being the place to go and watch the games." She added that Canada’s elimination from the tournament "might affect attendance at the FanZone this weekend," but that she "still expects it will be teeming with U.S. fans on Sunday" (VANCOUVER SUN, 7/2).
