Abu Dhabi: The success story of the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has prompted the organisers to increase the spectator capacity at the Yas Marina Circuit by another 4,500 for the 2014 season.
This was announced at a press conference by the newly appointed CEO Al Tarek Al Ameri here on Monday.
A new extension has already been added to the Abu Dhabi Hill grassed area that was erected last season. This addition means it can now accommodate 3,000 more fans. The Paddock Club has also been bolstered to accommodate another 1,500 extra guests — so the event will now host 60,000 in comparison to the previous 55,500 record set last year.
The tickets for the season-ending event also went on sale on Monday. It can be purchased online at www.yasmarinacircuit.com, through the Yas Marina Circuit Call Centre (800 927), from all Etihad Shops and www.ticketmaster.ae.
Ticket prices for the four-day showpiece weekend, running from November 20 to 23, have been frozen at the 2013 levels for 2014 and an incredible “earlybird” discount of up to 30 per cent is being offered until May 31.
“Every year we want to further innovate and improve the experience for our fans. We are constantly responding to what people want and this year we’re launching even more ticketing options and specially-created packages. For the first time, we will be having Friday only Grand Stand tickets,” said Al Ameri.
This year, the Formula One season will conclude with the Abu Dhabi races — raising the possibility of it being the championship-decider as the F1 governing body has decided to offer double points to the drivers for the final race.
“With an expected capacity crowd of 60,000 there will be more fun activities for fans. Double points for the final race means more excitement and double on-track action than ever. The atmosphere promises to be tremendous,” added Al Ameri, who also thanked the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Cultural Authority and the sponsors for their continuous support.
In addition to the range of Grand Prix tickets, a new ‘GP Parks Package’ will allow access to all four event days and entry to either Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor theme park, or the award-winning Yas Waterworld aqua park. For overseas visitors, Etihad Airways is also offering a number of all-inclusive packages, consisting of grandstand tickets, flights, hotel accommodation and more, which can be booked on the Etihad Airways website (www.etihad.com) and retail outlets.
“Etihad Airways is very pleased to be the proud sponsors of the Abu Dhabi GP for the seventh year in a row. Last year, we carried nearly 7,000 overseas visitors to Abu Dhabi for the Grand Prix,” said Andrew Ward, Vice-President Marketing at Etihad Airways, adding, “Ticket sales will be done through all Etihad shops and this year, we have got our new Etihad travel mall in Dubai. Etihad holidays will be offering all inclusive packages and the fans will have over 25 hotel choices. We have set ourselves a sales target increase of 20 percent for 2014.”
All ticket holders will be able to watch the international artist concerts each night at the du Arena and will enter into a draw to win return economy flights for two on the next generation Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which starts service later this year.
