Dubai: Tickets are now on sale for this year’s Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens to be held at the Sevens Stadium from December 1-3, with 100,000 fans and 4,000 players expected.
Now in its 47th year, the annual three-day rugby festival will see Olympic heroes take to the pitch fresh from contesting at the Olympics for the first time in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in August.
Outside of the men’s and women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series matches on pitch one, over 280 teams are also expected to take part in the invitational tournament, making it the largest edition to date.
The success of last year’s first ever netball tournament will see it expand to include international players competing across three divisions, Gulf, Open and Open Youth.
On pitch entertainment will keep fans in the party mood until an array of bands and artists take over on the main stage following the matches. Teenagers and children will also have the Virgin Radio Teen Zone and dedicated family seating in the stands making it a true family event.
Tournament director, Jim Fitzsimons, said: “The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens continues to grow and this year we are excited to welcome both men and women Olympic heroes following their first appearance at the Olympic Games in Rio next month. The level of play is at the highest standard we have ever seen and the growth of the Invitation Tournament has been phenomenal. We are looking forward to yet another unforgettable weekend at the biggest sporting and social event of the year.”
Organisers are encouraging you to buy tickets in advance, which will enable you to save money as well with early bird fees. Tickets are available online at www.dubairugby7s.com or at Emirates Group Headquarters, dnata Travel Stores, Go Sport and Park n Shop.
Admission is free for all on the Thursday, while daily tickets on both the Friday and Saturday cost Dh300 in advance or Dh400 on the day. Season tickets encompassing the entire tournament cost Dh500 in advance and Dh600 on the day. Children Under-12 get in for free. Special reserved seating and hospitality packages are available via www.dubairugby7s.com. In a special offer this year, Emirates Skywards Members can redeem tickets for the event using air miles; members should visit the Sports and Culture section of Skywards at www.emirates.com to avail this offer.