TORONTO 2015 On Track to be Truly Historic Games

Ticket sales reach one million

Chief Executive Officer to address accredited media at 10:30 a.m. Danforth Room, Main Press Centre

TORONTO, July 19, 2015 /CNW/ - The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games are winning the support of people in the region, and making a very positive impression on an international audience.

Somewhere in the region, someone has bought the one-millionth ticket to the Games —sales increased by more than 300,000 since the Pan Am Opening Ceremony on July 10, as people throughout the Pan Am region embraced the Games.  

The Opening Ceremony and sports coverage are big hits across the country. As of July 16, about 16 million Canadians, 46 per cent of the population, have tuned in to watch Pan Am Games coverage on either CBC TV/ICI Radio-Canada or its partners since July 10.

"The numbers speak for themselves," said Saäd Rafi, chief executive officer, TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015). "With one million tickets sold and millions of Canadians tuning into the Games, there's no doubt that Toronto and the region have embraced these once-in-a-lifetime Games."

PANAMANIA presented by CIBC — the 35-day arts and culture festival TORONTO 2015 — continues to receive rave reviews and strong attendance. More than 170 PANAMANIA performances have already taken place across the city featuring music, theatre, dance and more. An estimated 120,000 fans have visited PANAMANIA Live @ Nathan Phillips Square, which continues through July 26 and then reopens from August 7 to 12 for the Parapan Am Games.

Fans are excited about their Pan Am Games experience and social media followers are eager to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with family and friends. Since the Opening Ceremony, "TO2015" has had 534,000 mentions on social media and, at times, trended worldwide, with a total of 1.82 billion impressions. The Games website, TORONTO2015.org, has received 7.2 million web sessions. The TORONTO 2015 spectator app, presented by CIBC, which provides spectators with venue details, Games maps, torch relay maps, ticketing information, spectator services, official celebrations and more, is proving to be a fan favourite, surpassing 135,000 downloads.

The Games are a never-before-seen event in our communities — already more than 1,100 medals have been awarded in more than 200 Medal Ceremonies and more than 50 Pan Am records have been broken. Walk down to Nathan Phillips Square, CIBC Pan Am Park or the Distillery District to feel the atmosphere. The vibrant CIBC Athletes' Village has welcomed about 6,100 Pan Am athletes and has already served over 350,000 meals, out of the estimated 464,000 that will be served for the duration of the Games, to athletes to ensure they perform at their very best.

There are still tickets available to enjoy the largest international multi-sport Games in Canada's history, but there is only one week left to make the most of this event and create Pan Am memories. Visit TORONTO2015.org for more information.

Buying tickets to the Games

Tickets are available at TORONTO2015.org/tickets. The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games ticket program is designed to be affordable and accessible for everyone by offering:

Integrated tickets: Every event ticket will allow the holder to access transit on the day of the event.

Affordable pricing: Tickets start at just $20, with 75 per cent of tickets priced $45 and under.

Half-price tickets for persons under 16 years of age, or 65 and over: Tickets will be offered at a 50 per cent discount — some will start at $10. The number of discounted tickets is limited, so buy early.

Tickets for Parapan Am sporting events will range from $20 to $35 for adults, with a youth (under 16) and senior (65+) discount from $10 to $12.50 available, depending on the event. The number of discounted tickets is limited, so don't delay.

Easy options for buying: Tickets can be purchased online at TORONTO2015.org/tickets or at 1.855.726.2015 and internationally at 1.949.333.4824.

SOURCE Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games

For further information: [email protected] or 416.957.3409