One Month Until Major Sporting Event Hits Town

It’s just under one month to go before the 2013 SKYCITY New Zealand Badminton Open, a World Grand Prix event,  and  so far 20 nations have players entered in the April 10-14 event to be held at the North Shore Events Centre. 
The large number of entries actually means a few logistical issues for organisers as they try to schedule 64 qualifying matches and 187 main draw matches. Qualifying rounds and all main draw matches at the North Shore Events Centre.
An estimated over 2000 shuttles will be used for the tournament which looks on target to have around 300 players, coaches and delegates with large teams of players from China, India, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, , Thailand as well as New Zealand and Australia and other nations too. Official entries will be released on Friday March 15.
The tournament brings top international badminton to New Zealand after the last event was held in 2011 as the Li-Ning New Zealand International Challenge.  This year sees the event upgraded to a BWF World Grand Prix event, with prize-money of US$50,000 up for grabs.
This event forms part of a three tournament swing through Oceania; it follows on from the Australian Badminton Open in Sydney - a Grand Prix Gold tournament, and precedes the Tahiti International.
SKYCITY NZ Open Event Director, Julie Carrel says having to fit in so many matches is a pleasant problem to have. “It’s great to have so much interest in the event which is part of the world circuit. With just under 20 countries and over 250 players entered with a few days remaining is quite phenomenal. Having to fit in so many matches will be challenging but it’s a good issue to have and to overcome. It really shows the global nature of the sport,” says Carrel.

Tickets range from $6  to  $35 with tournament packages from $58 and courtside hospitality from $75pp.  There are also Finals Entertainment packages available which include accommodation, breakfast, transport to the venue and hospitality.   http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/2013/skycity-new-zealand-badminton-open/auckland/wairau-valley

The Auckland finals will be broadcast live into a number of Asian nations and will have a highlights package on Sky television in New Zealand.Web-streaming will be available as from the round of 16 in all events.
The SKYCITY New Zealand Badminton Open will be held from 10-14 April 2013 at the North Shore Events Centre, Auckland.
http://nzbadmintonopen.com/
www.facebook.com/NZbadopen