That’s how much tickets cost at the Biathlon World Cup

Oberhof is ready! The Biathlon World Championships will start there on February 8th. Then the best ski athletes compete in the Thuringian Forest and fight for medals.

The organizers are hoping for up to 170,000 fans. But whether it really attracts so many biathlon enthusiasts to the racetrack is questionable. Certainly one reason for this: the horrendous ticket prices.

How much do tickets cost at the Biathlon World Cup?

Guests sometimes have to dig deep into their pockets to see a race in Oberhof or to spend a whole day at the track. Tickets for the forest grandstand are available for 49 to 72 euros. Tickets for the arena (55 to 84 euros) and for the modernized grandstand with a view of the shooting range (89 to 105 euros) cost even more. In the more expensive case, however, the fans also see two races (e.g. the pursuit of men and women).

But there are also cheaper alternatives: a place at the racetrack is available from as little as 26 euros; the maximum is 39 euros. The more expensive alternative, on the other hand, is a place in the VIP grandstand, which costs between 320 and 435 euros.

The question is: are such prizes common in the biathlon circus? Rather no! For comparison: standing room at the last World Cup in Antholz cost a maximum of 40 euros, VIP tickets there for a maximum of 385 euros.

Why are the prices at the Biathlon World Cup so high?

The organizers justify these price differences on RTL request with different requirements. A world championship cannot be equated with an annual biathlon world cup. The dimensions of the sporting event are larger, and as a result, the costs are more intense, they say. The calculation also includes securing upcoming World Cups in Oberhof and raising funds for the promotion of young people at the location.

At the same time, the ticket prices also reflect the market development. “We hope for the understanding of the fans, who also feel the price developments in everyday life,” says Thomas Grellmann, head of the organizing committee (OC). He also refers to a planned, comprehensive supporting program in the arena and in the city of Oberhof. “Here the fans will have great offers and numerous attractions during the two weeks of the World Cup,” says Grellmann. That costs – and drives up ticket prices.

But the organizer emphasizes: In addition to the races and the supporting program, the tickets – once purchased – offer further advantages for fans. This includes the journey with selected public transport lines (train and bus) as well as the transfer from the P+R car parks to the Arena am Rennsteig and back. This should not only ensure comfort, but is also environmentally friendly.

The organizer is nevertheless satisfied with the demand

The whole city is looking forward to the sports spectacle: “LET’S GOberhof” is written on the sign next to a German flag at a house entrance in Oberhof.

However, the prices don’t really deter biathlon fans. 145,000 tickets (as of January 23, 2023) have already been sold. The demand is particularly high for the competition days with two races (pursuits, relays and mass stars for men and women). “On these days we are practically sold out and cannot activate any further contingents,” says OC boss Grellmann.

Overall, the organizers are hoping for 170,000 enthusiastic fans along the route. But there is a big problem: Viewer behavior has changed. “Due to the corona pandemic and the energy crisis, fans are buying their tickets at much shorter notice or even at the box office. They have become more cautious,” says Grellmann. It remains to be seen whether more tickets will be sold. Instead, one thing is clear: they are not a bargain.

Jan Luhrenberg

ttn-9