While tickets for the upcoming Indian Grand Prix Formula One race are selling like hot cakes, there is no dearth of those looking for free passes, or ‘jugaad’ as they call it.
The tickets have become so sought-after that some corporate firms are even planning to hand out them to employees as Diwali Bonus.
“With F1 falling around Diwali, some corporates are offering race tickets as bonus to young employees. These queries are slowly rising and we expect them to shoot up even higher,” says Shashank Mishra of TUI India Sports, the authorised distributor of the coveted Paddock Club (VIP) tickets that are priced at Rs 2.85 lakh for two-day access, and Rs 3.11 lakh for three-day access.
Cheaper tickets for October 26, 27, and the final race day — October 28 — are available for Rs 3,000, Rs 6,000, Rs 7,500, Rs 10,000, Rs 21,000 on Bookmyshow.com. “We’ve sold 65% of the tickets and the ones left over are going soon,” says Junaid Shaikh from the ticketing portal.
Those related to sports say they are flooded with queries for free passes. “I’ve been getting calls from friends, relatives and even people I barely know,” says a sports reporter. “I plan to try and get hold of free passes with my dad’s contacts. Students like us can’t afford the tickets,” says Nikhil Bayana, 19.
{{/usCountry}}Those related to sports say they are flooded with queries for free passes. “I’ve been getting calls from friends, relatives and even people I barely know,” says a sports reporter. “I plan to try and get hold of free passes with my dad’s contacts. Students like us can’t afford the tickets,” says Nikhil Bayana, 19.
{{/usCountry}}Sponsors too, are fed up. “We dread this time since it’s all about dodging tricky requests for favours. Yes, the number of people asking for free passes is lesser this year than the last since the first-time euphoria is gone, but it’s quite annoying to deal,” says an employee with one of the sponsor companies, wishing not to be named.