Didata to ticket 2003 World Cup

An on-line ticketing system for the 2003 World Cup is expected to be up and running during 2002, says World Cup director Ali Bacher.

The system is to be devised by IT group Dimension Data and will be run as a joint venture with the United Cricket Board. The cost of development is expected to be between R5-7-million.

"What will happen," said Bacher, "is that, for instance, an Australian fan will log into the 2003 World Cup portal, review the schedule, select the games he wants to attend and then be given a virtual view from the seat he chooses. He'll be able to see whether there are any obstructions of his view and make an informed choice of his seat.

"He'll then pay for the seat with his credit card and then pick up his ticket from a nominated distribution centre when he arrives in South Africa. These centres will be situated country-wide in all the World Cup venues."

The system is expected to take 14-16 months to develop and Bacher hopes to have it up and running for the Australian tour of South Africa in February and March 2002.

"Once he's bought his tickets, the fan will receive regular World Cup updates via e-mail, and he'll be able to go shopping for World Cup merchandise on the site," said Bacher.

He said that Dimension Data had been chosen from 11 possible candidates because of their global presence (Didata recently listed on the London Stock Exchange), the passion of their senior management for cricket, their recognition of black empowerment and their expertise as an IT company.