RWC ticket applications reach 325,000

Enough Rugby World Cup ticket applications have been lodged to fill the redeveloped Eden Park stadium more than five times. Photo / Sarah Ivey

At least 190,000 tickets for Rugby World Cup 2011 pool packs have been applied for in the first three days of global public ticketing, official figures released this afternoon show.

Phase One sales began last month with the opening of ticket sales to season ticket holders, box holders and provincial season ticket holders, and were expanded to include international sales of team and venue packs this week.

A total of 325,000 ticket applications have so far been lodged, enough to fill the redeveloped Eden Park stadium more than five times.

That brings the total value of ticket applications to date to $56m. New Zealand's previous biggest sporting event was the 2005 Lions Tour, which earned some $40 million.

Rugby New Zealand 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden described the sales volumes as "fantastic", with a "steady stream" of purchases all week.

The total excludes sales made under the Official Travel and Hospitality sales programme, which has so far seen at least 85,000 tickets sold.

Phase One sales run until 5pm on May 21, with Phase 2 sales - for individual matches excluding the two semi finals and grand final - likely to start in September or October.

A minimum of 2000 tickets will be set aside for phase 2 venues, but Mr Sneddon said phase one was the best opportunity for punters to secure their preferred match and seating option.

Phase 3 tickets - to the semi finals and final - are expected to go on sale late this year, or early next year.