A "hospitality war is breaking out" ahead of the Rugby World Cup, according to Jamie Doward of the London GUARDIAN. Bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants "are vying with each other to win the rugby pound," during a tournament expected to add almost £1B ($1.54B) to the U.K.'s GDP. With almost half a million int'l visitors expected for the event, "more than any previous Rugby World Cup, the 11 host cities are looking to profit." Fifteen fan zones -- all selling food and drink -- have been set up around the country allowing tens of thousands of spectators to "gather in front of giant screens." For those who want "something more exclusive, many bars are doing ticketed events -- sometimes attended by former stars -- so that fans can enjoy unrestricted views of the big screen." Unsurprisingly, "given the oval ball's close relationship with beer, brewers are jostling to associate their drinks with the tournament." Several have developed their own limited edition brands. Burton Bridge brewery has the Tasty Tackle, Black Sheep brewery has Blindside and Adnams has launched Prop Hop. Research by hotel search website trivago.co.uk suggests a hotel stay in a host city on a match night will cost an average of £261 ($403) -- 184% up on last year's average (GUARDIAN, 9/12).
SOARING PRICES: In London, Nick Harris reported The 2015 Rugby World Cup "will be the most expensive sporting event in history," with the average price of a normal ticket more than £104 ($160). In all, there will be 2.4 million tickets, the majority "already sold," with the average price at £104.17 ($160.70). While some tickets will be as cheap as £7 ($11) for children in pool games, more than half of all tickets will cost more than £100 ($154).
Football’s World Cup in Brazil cost an average £94.40 per seat, adjusted for inflation, and the 2012 London Olympics £87.48 per seat.
More than 2.3 million tickets have been sold, "with only only 50,000 still available through official platforms." But tickets for next Friday’s sell-out opener between England and Fiji at Twickenham were quoted at £826 ($1,274) on one unofficial website (DAILY MAIL, 9/12).
