EuroHockey 2023 organisers say that finals weekend is closing in on a sell out after Germany men’s Hockey World Cup success.
For a nation that has seen low crowds for Pro League games, Germany’s memorable title win in India in January has seen a surge in ticket sales ahead of this summer’s European showpiece in Mönchengladbach.
The German Hockey Federation told The Hockey Paper that “interest is very high”
“On the final weekend, we only have just under 30% ticket capacity left. Even on the first weekend, it’s already getting tight on Saturday,” a DHB spokesperson said.
“What we are particularly pleased about is that one of the best days is Monday, when there is normally not so much going on. This is certainly also due to the top match in the men’s competition between Germany and the Netherlands. The capacity is 9,500 seats per day.”
On the issue of past tournaments seeing low attendances in the day and games outside of the host nation, organisers believe that the World Cup win coupled with a hockey carnival atmosphere will play into their hands.
“Hockey is moving out of the niche sport in Germany. You can hear people philosophising about hockey at the next table in the restaurant,” the spokesperson added. “The euphoria is there, major tournaments were also well attended in the past and the atmosphere was terrific. That will also be the case in August 2023.
“Our communication strategy is to promote the event with many partners from hockey and other areas in order to create greater awareness and popularity for the sport and try to be as present as possible in national media.”
In addition, from Monday to Wednesday, the EuroHockey will have special theme days (students, honorary volunteers, people with disabilities) to attract young audiences. All day tickets will also be sold with a Fan Village, live music and KidsZone also slated.
“Schools from Mönchengladbach and the surrounding area will take on fan sponsorships,” organisers said. “Each school will dedicate itself to one country and accompany this country through the entire preliminary round. Of course, we would be delighted if our guest teams would also honour their “young sponsors” and, for example, offer an autograph session.”
