JFF offering free Olympic qualifier tickets to sporting fraternity
PRESIDENT Michael Ricketts says the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) is going all out to provide as much support as possible to the Reggae Girlz as they attempt to make Olympic history against reigning champions Canada in a two-leg Olympic Qualifying game.
The first of two games takes place at National Stadium, with the second at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, the following Tuesday.
With the second leg already sold out Ricketts says that while National Stadium must be hired for the games, people and other athletic groups would be given complimentary tickets.
Netballers, volleyball players, past national players, women’s Premier League teams, and high school girl teams will all be given tickets to the games.
“Well, for sure we’re doing everything in our power to get some support into the National Stadium,” Ricketts said during a press conference at Jamaica Olympic Association’s headquarters on Monday.
“At the same time we have to pay for the National Stadium.
“We are going to try to get some sponsors to purchase some tickets. In the absence of that, we have created a list so we will provide tickets for all of those ladies who have participated in netball and volleyball tournaments — which will be free, of course.
“So, I’m using this opportunity to ask of corporate Jamaica to come on board, buy some tickets, and then you could open the bleachers. But, we still have to pay for the National Stadium — and a substantial amount of money as well.”
Ricketts says the Reggae Girlz Foundation has already purchased 300 tickets.
In terms of Jamaican supporters for the Canada return leg, Ricketts says that while there are no tickets available, he hopes a few Jamaicans would have already acquired them to attend that game.
“I’ve been advised the stadium is totally sold out; there’s not one single ticket available,” he said. “So I mean, I don’t know if we would have done that kind of mobilisation [but], of course, we’re going to take credit for it.
“Well, I’m sure that there will be an allocation for the JFF but we would not want to interfere in their sales agreement. So what is exciting is that the stadium is sold out — and I do hope that a fair number of those patrons will be shouting for us — but I’m sure that we will get some support in the stadium on the 26th.”
