POSTED: 03 May 2013 5:54 SINGAPORE: Ticket prices for Singapore's premier badminton event may have risen, but organisers promise it will be value for money. This year, some 32,000 fans can expect a party atmosphere for the 26th Li-Ning Singapore Open when the annual US$200,000 (S$246,700) tournament returns to the Singapore Indoor Stadium from June 18 to 23. Among the highlights are a new Singapore Badminton Association (SBA) Corporate League, featuring a mix of Singapore shuttlers like South-east Asian (SEA) Games gold medallist Fu Mingtian, doubles player Shinta Mulia Sari, former national star Ronald Susilo, national intermediate squad members, and the likes of Indonesia's world No 19 men's doubles pair Markis Kido and Alvent Yulianto Chandra representing six companies. Fan experience and engagement will also be a focus this time, with a six-day badminton carnival to feature sponsors' booths, and two game stations to allow spectators to test their badminton skills and win prizes. There will also be cheerleading performances and mini-concerts before the finals on June 23, and the competition venue fitted with newly-designed corporate boxes. However, tickets will be pegged at S$10 to S$18 for the qualifying and preliminary rounds, S$13 to S$38 (quarter-finals), S$8 to S$40 (semi-finals) and S$8 to S$44 (finals). Last year, it cost S$8 to S$14 for the qualifying and preliminary rounds, S$11 to S$30 (quarter-finals), S$5 to S$32 (semi-finals), and S$5 to $34 (finals).Premium and season tickets will cost between S$28 and S$200 this year, compared to S$19 and S$128 last year. But organising committee chairman Francis Koh said: "The ticket increase is not much and is at about 10 to 20 per cent. In general, it is still very affordable. Over the years, we have seen many world-class players compete in this BWF (Badminton World Federation) World Super Series event. It is too early to say who is coming but we still expect the big names to come." To date, Indonesians Markis and Yulianto, men's singles defending champion Boonsak Ponsana, rising Japanese shuttler Minatsu Mitani - who upset Indian world No 2 Sania Nehwal at the French Open - and compatriots Kenichi Tago and Sho Sasaki have been confirmed for the tournament. The final line-up will be decided after registration closes on May 14. With the Singapore Open's title sponsorship deal with sports brand Li-Ning expected to end this year, the SBA - who signed a S$8.8-million deal with Li-Ning in 2010 to sponsor the national team, Singapore Open and major local tournaments - is in discussions with potential sponsors for the Republic's marquee badminton showpiece. "It is possible that badminton will follow other sports in having multi sponsors for the Singapore Open and national team," said SBA President Lee Yi Shyan. "Every year, our operating budget is about S$4.5 million. Half is from the Singapore Sports Council, so the remaining half must come from sponsorship or event organisation." Although their bid to upgrade the Li-Ning Singapore Open from a US$200,000 Super Series to a top-tier Premier Super Series event boasting a minimum prize purse of US$500,000 failed last December, the SBA remain hopeful. "If we are able to line up big sponsors, we hope to organise the premier super series," said Lee. "The competing countries are coming in with much larger sponsorship money, so we just have to realise it is very competitive out there and other countries are more aggressive in bidding for the premier super series." Tickets to the Li-Ning Singapore Open will be available via SISTIC from May 8. Visit www.singaporebadminton.org.sg for more information. (From L-R) Mahender Kapoor of Sunlight Sports, Michael Foo, Sec-Gen of SBA, Francis Koh, Chairman of the Li-Ning S'pore Open 2013, Lee Yi Shyan, SBA President, Bobby Lee, SBA CEO, Mohan Dharan, Tournament Director, Li-Ning Singapore Open, and Melissa Chow of OSIM. (Photo: Li-Ning Singapore Open) -TODAY/de
Can someone point out to the organising committee chairman that an increase from S$19 to S$28 is a 47% increase and from S$128 to S$200 is a 56% increase not a 10% to 20% increase as he claimed
wow, quite a blatant miscalculation. So i dig more. They have been increasing fees since 2010, and the increment this year will be the biggest by far. On the contrary, the prize money to the participants have remained the same (US$200k) although the US dollar has depreciated quite a bit against the Sing$ in the same time (meaning SBA is paying less in currency exchange). For comparison, In 2010 the ticket price for a Premium season is S$82 and early bird is S$50. It seems that the same 2013 ticket is going to be S$200, don't know what early bird is. Very obvious, 143% increment in ticket price in the last 3 years is very substantial. It is also absurdly not in line with the economic data in Singapore be it Consumer price index(CPI)or Income per capita etc. I fear that this price increasing trend will continue if we (the fans) just keeps accepting whatever the organizing com throws at us. and the chairman of organizing committee needs to go to back to math school.
If the increased ticket prices are not changed, attendance may well be adversely affected and fans may choose to stay at home to watch on TV or to do other things instead. The rates of increase do not quite justify with the current CPI and possibly add to the general "unhappiness" factor, haha. This does not bode well for Singapore Badminton without strong fan support. It will be worse if top-rate players decide to give the SO a miss!
Hmmm... dun understand.. what is the reason for increasing ticket prices? Frankly speaking, after reading the article, I am really not impressed by their line-up of activities.
Li-ning singapore open 2013: Bigger and better SingaporeSports.SG http://www.singaporesports.sg/news/li-ning-international-2013-bigger-and-better.aspx By Jamie Loo & Theron Ho The Li-Ning Singapore Open is back, held annually in Singapore since 1990. The Level Two Super Series tournament will be held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from 18- 23 June 2013. Players from all over the world will gather to compete for the title of champion over five exciting days of competition. Big changes are set to rock the Singapore Open this year. The new corporate ‘Premium Box’ places corporates in the thick of the action, close enough to touch the athletes. The other sweet spot are premium seats on the East side of the Indoor Stadium. Visit SISTIC to find out more about the seating details. The Star Toss is another highlight to look out for. What better souvenir is there than a shuttlecock thrown by a famed badminton player? The world-class players might throw T-shirts, water bottles, or even their own rackets in as well. Important Dates Early Bird: 2nd May – 13th May 2013 Normal Sales: 14th May – 23rd June 2013 Match & Qualifiers: 16th May 2013 Draw outs: 4th June 2013 Event: 18th June – 23rd June 2013 There’s something for everyone. Visit the badminton carnival, or kick back and relax at the OSIM Massage Chair booths at the North Foyer of the Indoor Stadium. Pick up great merchandise at Li-Ning’s sports booths. Shopping, massage and games, truly an event not to be missed. So what are you waiting for? Grab your family, friends and badminton buddies and get your early bird tickets today! Prices start from $32 for adults. Li-Ning Singapore Open 2013 tickets available at SISTIC. - See more at: http://www.singaporesports.sg/news/...3-bigger-and-better.aspx#sthash.YdH2GdeK.dpuf (I thought I saw under TODAY's Twitter that Lin Dan is coming. Any confirmation?)
Sistic [TABLE="align: center"] [TR] [TD="class: event_detail_header summary, colspan: 3"]Li-Ning Singapore Open 2013 Osim BWF World Superseri [TABLE="align: center"] [TR] [TD] [TABLE] [TR] [TD]START SALES DATE Early Bird Sales Internet : 8 May 2013, 9am - 31 May 2013, 11:59pm Other Channels : 8 May 2013, 10am - 31 May 2013, 10pm Public Sales Internet : 1 Jun 2013, 12am. Other Channels : 1 Jun 2013, 10am. EVENT DATE 18-23 June 2013 Tue & Wed - 9am Thur & Sat - 2pm Fri - 3pm Sun - 1pm [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]VENUE Singapore Indoor Stadium With effect from 30 Sept 2010, roads of Stadium Drive, Stadium Road and Stadium Slip Road will be closed to facilitate the construction of the new Singapore SportsHub. Please refer to "www.sportshub.com.sg/locateus.htm" for more information. [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]TICKET PRICE (Exclude Booking Fee) Special Early Bird Savings on Season Pass (8 May 13 - 31 May 13): Adult - S$40 Senior Citizen (aged 55 Yrs & abv) - S$18 Student (aged 13-18 Yrs Old) - S$18 Season Passes (17 May 13 onwards): Adult - S$60 Senior Citizen (aged 55 Yrs & abv) - S$28 Student (aged 13-18 Yrs Old) - S$28 Premium Early Bird Season Passes: Standard - S$250 Premium Season Passes: Standard - S$280 Premium Qualifying & Prelim: Standard - S$60 Premium Quarter Final: Standard - S$150 Premium Semi Final: Standard - S$180 Premium Final: Standard - S$200 18 - 20 June 13 (Qualifying & Preliminary Rounds): Adult - S$18 Senior Citizen (aged 55 Yrs & abv) - S$10 Student (aged 13-18 Yrs Old) - S$10 Child (aged 2-12 Yrs Old) - Free Admission 21 June 13 (Quarter Finals): Adult - S$38 Senior Citizen (aged 55 Yrs & abv) - S$13 Student (aged 13-18 Yrs Old) - S$13 Child (aged 2-12 Yrs Old) - Free Admission 22 June 13 (Semi Finals): Adult - S$40 Senior Citizen (aged 55 Yrs & abv) - S$18 Student (aged 13-18 Yrs Old) - S$18 Child (aged 2-12 Yrs Old) - S$8 23 June 13 (Final): Adult - S$44 Senior Citizen (aged 55 Yrs & abv) - S$18 Student (aged 13-18 Yrs Old) - S$18 Child (aged 2-12 Yrs Old) - S$8 Please add to above price $3 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets above $20 and $1 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets $20 and below. Charges include GST where applicable. Click for Seat Plan [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]DISCOUNT & CONCESSIONS Click for Details [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]ADMISSION RULES [COLOR=#00099]No admission for infant in arms. Free admission for Child aged 2 - 12 years old EXCEPT for Semi-Finals & Finals. (Premium seats not included.) Child 13 years old and above must purchase ticket for admission. * No Flash Photography, Video recording or audio recording is allowed for this event ! [/COLOR] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [/TD] [TD="width: 40%"][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="colspan: 3"][/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] NOTE: I see a conflict in the Early Bird Sales. Does it end on 13th May or 31st May?
VERY DISAPPOINTED. THIS IS 2012 PRICES: Cost: Special Early Bird Savings on Season Pass (17 Apr 12 - 20 May 12): Adult - S$32 Senior Citizen (aged 55 Yrs & abv) - S$16 Student (aged 13-18 Yrs Old) - S$16 Season Passes (21 May 12 onwards): Adult - S$50 Senior Citizen (aged 55 Yrs & abv) - S$24 Student (aged 13-18 Yrs Old) - S$24 Premium Early Bird Season Passes: Standard - S$100 Premium Season Passes: Standard - S$128 Premium Qualifying & Prelim: Standard - S$19 Premium Quarter Final: Standard - S$43 Premium Semi Final: Standard - S$48 Premium Final: Standard - S$58 19 - 21 June 12 (Qualifying & Preliminary Rounds): Adult - S$14 Senior Citizen (aged 55 Yrs & abv) - S$8 Student (aged 13-18 Yrs Old) - S$8 Child (aged 2-12 Yrs Old) - Free Admission 22 June 12 (Quarter Finals): Adult - S$30 Senior Citizen (aged 55 Yrs & abv) - S$11 Student (aged 13-18 Yrs Old) - S$11 Child (aged 2-12 Yrs Old) - Free Admission 23 June 12 (Semi Finals): Adult - S$32 Senior Citizen (aged 55 Yrs & abv) - S$15 Student (aged 13-18 Yrs Old) - S$15 Child (aged 2-12 Yrs Old) - S$5 24 June 12 (Final): Adult - S$34 Senior Citizen (aged 55 Yrs & abv) - S$15 Student (aged 13-18 Yrs Old) - S$15 Child (aged 2-12 Yrs Old) - S$5Early Bird Sales Internet : 17 Apr 2012, 9am - 21 May 2012, 12am Other Channels : 17 Apr 2012, 10am - 20 May 2012, 10pm Public Sales Internet : 21 May 2012, 12am. Other Channels : 21 May 2012, 10am. N.A.
$100 ==> $250 ????? 250% INCREASE!!!!! I should forget the close-up seat this year. Very disappointed.. Any explanation from the organizer for this event???
If the sports hub is ready, I think the spectator capacity should increase and that is a good reason to reduce the ticket price, make it very affordable. Also, if possible, bid for SS final in 2014, or make a 4-year-deal to hold SS final 2014-2017
The Early Bird sales end on 31st May according to the official website http://www.singaporebadmintonopen.sg/ticketing_info.html S$250 for an early bird premium season pass I almost fell off my chair! I wrote to the press last year and the reporter wrote an article in the Straits Times on the price increase. The organising committee blamed the price increase on rising costs eg rental blah blah blah... Suggest you guys post your comments on the SBA's facebook https://www.facebook.com/ilovebadminton
Would you pay premium prices to watch Lin Dan? http://www.todayonline.com/sports/other-sports/lin-dan-set-spore-open
....and watch for free On a side note, the event is just one week earlier to my arrival there, so, will miss it for sure this year Look's like I will miss attending badminton tourneys in 2013....a transition year for me.
Lin takes aim at winning first Singapore Open By Chan U-gene The Straits Times Sunday, May 12, 2013 Lin Dan has plenty to prove to fans in Singapore, after pulling out of his last final here. Badminton ace Lin Dan will lead a star-studded Chinese squad at next month's Li-Ning Singapore Open. The two-time Olympic singles gold medallist - arguably the best shuttler ever - will make his fourth appearance at a tournament he has yet to win. He will lead out a 28-strong Chinese contingent, which will include all the shuttlers who helped the nation sweep all five badminton golds at last year's London Olympics, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from June 18 to 23. Lin, 29, reached the final in his last appearance at the Open in 2011. However, in what was one of the most controversial incidents in the tournament's history, he withdrew from the final citing a stomach upset, allowing compatriot Chen Jin to stroll to the title. The Chinese superstar has played in only one other tournament so far this year - last month's Badminton Asia Championships in Taipei, where he conceded a walkover to countryman compatriot Wang Zhengming in the quarter-finals. He has taken his foot off the pedal since retaining his Olympic singles title last year and his lack of playing time has seen him slip down the world rankings to No.41, but many still regard him as the man to beat.
