Tickets for next year’s IAAF World Championships Doha 2019 are now available for purchase online, marking a significant milestone with 320 days to go for the prestigious event.
The announcement was made at a press conference addressed by IAAF President Sebastian Coe and Vice Chairman and Director General of the Local Organising Committee Dahlan al-Hamad.
“Today is another positive step forward for athletics and further proof of Qatar’s commitment to welcome the world to Doha. As the pricing and flexible ticket offerings show, our approach is simple. We want to make it as easy and enjoyable for as many people as possible to be our guests,” Dahlan, who is also a Vice President of the IAAF, told reporters. The prestigious event begins on September 27, 2019 and ends October 6.
“We want people from all corners of the world to come and experience the warmth of our hospitality, our world-class facilities and our pleasant September climate. We want fans to witness the best athletes on the planet compete head to head over 10 dramatic days of competition but and, at the same time, get to know the people and the real Qatar: a young, ambitious, safe and progressive nation.”
In the coming months, the Local Organising Committee will move forward in the next phase of its preparations and outreach programme by finalising full travel packages to Doha, including flights, hotels and transfers. The official championship travel packages are expected to be launched during January 2019. With direct flights from over 110 destinations, a simple visa process plus a stadium that is located centrally, only 15 minutes from Doha’s downtown area of West Bay, expectations are high for inbound travelling fans and families.
IAAF President Coe added: “Going live with tickets is a big moment in any major championship and the Doha Organising Committee has worked hard to create an event that suits its climate, is fun and exciting for fans with some innovations and flair and provides optimal conditions for the athletes to excel.
“Athletics is looking ahead. We have a new country and new innovations ready to embrace new fans and new opportunities with new formats and ticket options as part of a global event. Whether it is Doha, Tokyo, Nanjing or Eugene, we are looking at our sport with a fresh perspective and fresh eyes. For Doha 2019, we have a trusted partner that is as willing to be creative and bold. And the nation’s track record in our sport is further commitment that they share our vision to grow the sport.”
Much of the fan and media interest has already focused on the first-ever midnight marathon along Doha’s Corniche and a first 4x400m mixed relay in an IAAF World Championship, each designed to maximise fan entertainment and global reach. The programme will replace morning sessions with split evening sessions. One-hour intervals will be incorporated into each session to combine entertainment and family-centred activities with the excitement of the competitive action.
Al-Hamad continued: “As highlighted in September with our 1 year to go celebrations, our stadium is complete and the infrastructure ready. With 45 weeks to go everything is now in place to guarantee the best possible experience for the 3,500 athletes and officials from more than 200 nations. But equally important is the fan experience and the memories we create for those attending.”
Doha is also preparing to host the IAAF council meeting in March and the 23rd Asian Athletics Championships in April 2019, the official test event for the IAAF World Championships, and the IAAF Diamond League in May.
