Ticket sales force Darwin Turf Club to scale back the Darwin Cup Canival
The Northern Territory’s largest sporting event has announced it will scale back in 2024 with cost of living pressures impacting ticket sales. Read what this will mean.
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The Darwin Turf Club Board has made the decision to take a “cautious approach” to this year’s Darwin Cup due to a decline in ticket sales.
This means it will scale back on operational and infrastructure investment for the biggest day on the Northern Territory racing calendar.
The Board has blamed the decline in sales on limited interstate access to the NT, cost of living pressures and other economic challenges.
It is understood attempts to secure additional funding from stakeholders to enhance the carnival were unsuccessful.
As a result the Board chose to close the Centerfield, which was the centre of entertainment in 2023, and focus instead on the grandstand side of the track.
The decision came after consultation with accommodation, events and hospitality sectors and reflects a drop in tourism for the Dry Season.
Darwin Turf Club chairman Craig Trezise said he remained optimistic the Darwin Cup Carnival would be successful despite the challenges.
“We remain extremely confident we can produce an exceptional event,” he said.
“Keeping with the highest quality and services that our stakeholders have come to expect from one of the NT’s largest events.”
CLP racing spokesperson Marie-Clare Boothby said the news would have a huge impact on local businesses.
“(This) announcement is another devastating blow to our local businesses who are already struggling to keep the doors open,” she said.
“Our local businesses rely on the Darwin Cup Carnival for increased trade especially from interstate visitors.
“Interstate visitors to the Carnival spend big, whether it’s in hotels and restaurants, with dress shops and other retailers and often stay on and enjoy our regional tourism experiences.”
It comes shortly after the Board named four new members in Carol Need, Molly Upstill, Raymond Bail and Skefos Tsoukalis, while Annie Davis was re-elected to the 10-person panel.
The 2024 carnival will start on July 6, and culminates with the famous Great Northern Darwin Cup on August 5.
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