The countdown to the 2010 Rowing World Championships begins today (October 30th) and the first batch of Grandstand seats for the general public have been made available via Ticketek.

The tickets went on sale as Cambridge - home to most of the ultra successful New Zealand elite rowing team - came out in force to cheer on their champions and help get the countdown to the first race on October 30th 2010 underway. 

A first release of tickets to the rowing community last week proved ultra successful, with the allocation of covered and uncovered eight day Grandstand seats selling out in a matter of days.

"That was stunning news for us and means that we are able to release the next batch of Grandstand seats," explained event CEO Tom Mayo.

"We have had huge interest domestically and plenty of interest abroad so it makes perfect sense to get the public sale of Grandstand seats underway right now, and what better timing than Cambridge's celebratory parade and the beginning of the one year to go countdown."

The high street of Cambrdige was crowded out with fans keen to give their rowing heroes a cheer as they circulated in open top cars. A big screen reminded everyone of the success of 1978 - the last time the event was held in New Zealand.

The 2010 event tickets that have been released are for eight day covered and uncovered Grandstand seats that overlook the major action of the course finishing line and the winner's dais. Prices for the tickets can be found on the Ticketek website.
 
At this stage only full eight day grandstand seating tickets are being released. There are not expected to be any daily sales available for grandstand seating. Daily general admission tickets with prices varying by each day and also with children's tickets will become available approximately from 1 May 2010. 

Further information and purchasing details can be found here

Storm Uru and Pete Taylor start their trip around the Cambridge town centre

Hamish Bond leads the athletes to the Town Hall