2011 RWC: So much for stadium of 4 million

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So much for the stadium of four million. Rugby World Cup organisers are focusing on the big metropolitan venues of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch as they try to get bums on the more expensive seats.

RNZ 2011, a joint venture between the Government and the NZRU, is selling about half of the 1.6 million tournament tickets - and is reliant on that revenue to cover all its costs.

The IRB is allocated the remaining tickets for its own purposes, sponsors, and official package tour and hospitality sales.

Through its company Rugby World Cup Limited, the IRB also gets all income from lucrative broadcasting rights and sponsorship deals with Heineken, Mastercard, Emirates and others.

RNZ 2011 pays all tournament and team costs to run the cup, estimated at $160 million, and a guaranteed fee of $150m to Rugby World Cup Limited.

Its revenue from ticket sales is budgeted at $280m, leaving a $30m shortfall.

The Government and NZRU will wear the loss on a two-thirds split, with the larger share covered by the Government.

The Government expects the 2011 cup - the biggest sports event ever hosted in New Zealand - to bring $500m in additional GDP, of which almost half will go into the Auckland economy.

Briefing papers say the highest ticket sales previously in New Zealand were $32 million for the 2005 Lions series. As well as covering a potential $20m loss, the Government is putting $190m towards Eden Park's upgrade.