They are expecting a crowd of 64k on Saturday which is good considering England didnt make it and Samoa dont have as many fans kiving here as New Zealand do.
But that means the tournament is going to limp in with 400k tickrt sales, so 50k short of 2013 and absolutely miles behind the orignal target of 750k. Appreciate that Covid and the cost of living crisis would have impacted sales regardless and revenue may still be good as they have charged high prices and not discounted, but serious questions need to be asked about whats gone wrong.
Id start with the Marketing, for me its been too vague (billboards with 'this is real impact' where its not clear what event is being promoted) to the over the top 'games are selling out!!' social media ads, to marketing emails being sent out 2 hours before a game.
Also much discussed questions about the format, the public arent daft and know games like NZ-Jamaica are going to end one way.
Ive enjoyed the last couple of weeks game and the boost to the wheelchair and womens games but this tournament hasnt delivered a big boost to the mens game.
) id have gone with a small ground in London to try and attract French ex pats, maybe Brentford as its a modern ground and the area has some RL history.
