Expanded Abu Dhabi HSBC village aims to entice record crowds
Hot-on-the-heels of assembling arguably the strongest-ever field for a Middle East tournament, Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship organiser Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has unveiled an expanded Championship Village aimed at driving record crowds to Abu Dhabi Golf Club from January 26-29.
Previously, crowds of 40,000 spectators have flocked to the National Course to get ‘close to the ropes’ and watch the world’s best battle it out for the tournament’s iconic Falcon trophy. Now, with the world’s top three players, Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood, three reigning Major winners, and Abu Dhabi debutant, Tiger Woods, all set to play in three weeks time, ADTA and the event’s title sponsor, HSBC, are looking to double that figure.
“The 2012 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship offers something for everyone, from top-class action on the course to world-class entertainment in the Championship Village,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager for ADTA. “For 2012, the Championship Village is bigger and better than ever and we have made sure that all members of the family will find something special to do. We believe we have created an unmatched experience for everyone at the Championship.”
The remodelled Championship Village, which has been expanded to more than 1,200m², has been designed to offers visitors of all ages a fantastic range of attractions, prizes, games, competitions, live performances and family-orientated fun. Fans will also be able to enjoy the popular HSBC Interactive Zone, where the public can test and hone their swing and putting techniques; non-golfers can spend time in the creative area.
Elsewhere, the HSBC Children’s Zone encourages kids to try golf first-hand or take part in arts and crafts activities in the Children’s Creative Zone. For the big kids, a range of interactive sports and games challenges are on offer, from a Golf Simulator and Putting Challenge to Coaching Nets – where visitors can hone their skills courtesy of a free golf lesson from a professional coach.
With golf whetting the appetite for more sports action, the HSBC Interactive Village does not fall short on other sports entertainment, reflecting the diversity of HSBC’s sports sponsorship portfolio. The Speed Serve Challenge and Cricket Challenge will test agility, stamina and speed, whilst the Rugby Kicking Challenge and Rugby Lineout Challenge tests strength and precision. Those in need of a spot of relaxation can visit the ADTA Souk Area or refuel in the Oasis Café, which boasts stunning views of the first fairway and second tee. Following each day’s play, the Championship Village will also welcome a premier international DJ to encourage visitors to dance the night away.
Also new this year is the first ever ‘Dress in Red Day’, which takes places on Saturday 28th January. Visitors are encouraged to show their support for the Championship by donning its signature colour for the day, and will receive a complimentary day pass to the event in return.
With Championship tickets priced at AED 50 for a daily pass and AED 150 for a four-day pass, other innovative ticket promotions have also been introduced for this year. As is tradition at the family-centric event, Emirates Golf Federation members and children under-18 – when accompanied by an adult – also enter free of charge. HSBC customers can benefit by simply presenting their cards at the entry gate during tournament week – premier card holders can redeem two daily tickets, while regular card holders can claim one daily ticket.
