10K free tickets to some events, closing rites

At least 10,000 admission tickets for certain events and the closing ceremony of the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) will be given away for free, organizers said on Friday.

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, chair of the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc), announced the move after a series of organizational snafus ahead of the games’ opening.

“We will release 10,000 tickets to the public,” Cayetano told reporters in Makati City. “Aside from the 10,000, a few thousands of tickets [more] to the LGUs (local government units) hosting the SEA Games.”

President’s suggestion

Cayetano announced the free tickets after President Duterte suggested that the games be made free to the public.

Mr. Duterte said earlier that he personally wanted admission to the biennial games to be free but understood some sports will have to charge for admission because they will be held in private venues.

Sold-out games

After the President made the remarks, Cayetano said that tickets that are not yet sold out will be given away for free.

He said those which were sold out or almost sold out are basketball and volleyball games where the Philippine team is playing.

LGUs will also distribute free tickets for some events, Cayetano said.

As for the closing ceremonies, he said there will be designated ticket outlets which will be specified later by the Phisgoc.

“There are nonticketed sports, which are open to the public and there are no complimentary tickets due to full capacity,” he said.

Phisgoc chief operating officer Ramon Suzara, meanwhile, said purchased tickets cannot be refunded but added they would give premiums to those who bought them.

“There’s no refund. We’ll put them in the best location because they bought the tickets already. I cannot blame them because they bought the tickets earlier online,” Suzara said in a news conference.

“Maybe we’ll give them free ice cream or free donuts as a premium, but no smoking,” he added.