Report by Santanu Ganguly: Yas Marina Circuit today announced an increase in capacity for the 2014 Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to cope with an expected record demand from fans.
An extension has been made to the popular Abu Dhabi Hill grassed area introduced last year - meaning it can now accommodate 3,000 more fans - and with the Paddock Club boosted by 1,500 extra guests, the event will now host 60,000. The previous record, set last year, was 55,000.
Tickets went on sale today online at www.yasmarinacircuit.com and through the Yas Marina Circuit Call Centre (800927) as well as through all Etihad Shops and www.ticketmaster.ae.
Organisers are responding to what is set to be the most exciting Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ever, with the circuit hosting the last race of the season and, for the first time, double the points on offer to drivers.
Ticket prices for the four-day showpiece weekend, running from November 20 through to the November 23 Grand Prix, have been frozen at 2013 levels for 2014 and an incredible ‘earlybird’ discount of up to 30% is being offered until May 31.
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.
All ticket holders will be able to watch the international artist concerts each night at the du Arena - and will be entered into a draw to win return economy flights for two people on the next generation Etihad Airways Boeing 787Dreamliner, which enters service later this year.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi will come alive with musical excitement with the return of Yasalam, the largest city-wide programme run by any F1 host city.
Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO at Yas Marina Circuit, said: “Every year we strive to make this showpiece event better and offer more to the fans. We are constantly responding to what people want and this year we’re launching even more ticketing options and specially-created packages that really mean there is something for everyone.
“With an expected capacity crowd of 60,000, more fun activities for fans and double points for the final race – which means more exciting on-track action than ever - the atmosphere promises to be tremendous.”
More than 6,000 people have already pre-registered online, 80% of whom are from overseas. The number of international spectators is expected to rise from 43% to 46% with Abu Dhabi Tourism &Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) promoting tickets through 10 overseas offices.
Plans to deliver a bigger cultural experience in the Oasis Fan Village are in place, with initiatives to educate visitors about Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s rich history, diverse culture and vibrant society.
“This is a showcase that gives us the chance to speak to a worldwide audience within our home base,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Director, Events Bureau, TCA Abu Dhabi. “We will deliver an engaging experience that hopefully will entice visitors to stay on after the race and discover more about our emirate and it’s rich culture.”
At the event, technology will play a bigger role, with greater fan involvement and even more opportunities for interaction and socializing through digital media.
Crowds will be wowed with a packed programme of world-class events including international performers, stunning firework displays and a of Etihad Airways’ new Dreamliner.
“As title sponsor of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, we look forward to bringing even more visitors from across the world to experience the thrills of this year’s race weekend and the many other wonderful attractions in our Abu Dhabi home," said Peter Baumgartner, Chief Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways.
“With increased capacity at Yas Marina Circuit this year, we have enhanced our popular range of all-inclusive packages, which consist of Grand Prix tickets, flights, hotel accommodation and more. Adding to demand, our global network is expanding with the introduction of nine more destinations this year, while our much-awaited Boeing 787 and Airbus A380 will also enter service in the fourth quarter of 2014.”
Yas Marina Circuit is the United Arab Emirates’ most exciting sporting and entertainment multi-purpose venue. Located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the circuit is home to the annual FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX and much more. In addition to the extensive year-round program of professional and grassroots motorsport events and experiences including Drag and Yas Track Nights, the circuit has emerged as a thriving hub for entertainment and community events in the UAE. As the region’s most technologically advanced facility, the circuit is also a leading MICE venue, regularly hosting a diverse range of corporate meetings, conferences and events. Whether you want to experience the thrill of karting at our Kartzone, driving an Aston Martin GT4 at over 200km/hour on an F1 circuit, work towards your racing license at the Yas Racing School, get fit at TrainYas or GoYas, participate in one of our many sporting events, or simply catch up with friends at Yas Central, Yas Marina Circuit truly is The Meeting Place of Champions.
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