Opening matches of World Hockey Championships in Riga have almost sold out - Buncis

RIGA - The opening matches of the World Hockey Championships in Riga have almost sold out, Edgars Buncis, head of the committee organizing the 2023 World Hockey Championship matches in Latvia, told LETA.

Overall, ticket sales have been moderately good, said Buncis. He believes that as the championships approach, people's interest in buying tickets will increase.

At the moment, tickets for matches featuring the Czech, Slovakian, Swiss and Latvian teams are in greatest demand.

Organizing the championship matches in Latvia is currently on schedule, said Buncis.

"We are still very much hoping for state funding for the world championships in Riga, Latvia so we could break even," added Buncis.

As reported, the budget of the tournament stage in Riga is planned to be less than EUR 8 million. Of this, EUR 570,000 are planned to be financed by the Riga municipality, and EUR 550,000 are planned by the official supporters of the Latvian organizing committee.

On the other hand, state funding of EUR 500,000 for the license payment and EUR 250,000 for the co-payment of the International Ice Hockey Federation's congress is to be allocated.

The remaining revenues in the amount of EUR 6,121,580 are planned from the sale of tickets.

As reported, the 2023 Ice Hockey World Championships will take place in Riga and Tampere from May 12 to 28.

Riga will host one group stage, as well as two quarterfinals matches.