Bell Canadian Open Tickets Close To Selling Out

RCGA limits capacity to enhance spectator enjoyment

Contact Alison King
RCGA Communications Supervisor
905-849-9700 x 206
king@rcga.org

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Canada (February 28, 2002) -- With just a few thousand tickets remaining for the final round, the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) expects the 2002 Bell Canadian Open to sell out again this year. Canada's national open golf championship will be played September 2-8, 2002 at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont. and will feature many of the top players on the PGA Tour.

Although Angus Glen could accommodate more than 30,000 spectators, tournament organizers have decided to limit the daily capacity for the Bell Canadian Open to 27,000 fans. The limit will help alleviate problems with crowd control, visibility and traffic, ensuring that all fans enjoy the tournament to the fullest extent.

"We have learned through our experiences at Glen Abbey and Royal Montreal that restricting access to the course ultimately leads to a better spectator experience for everyone," said Michael Taylor, Bell Canadian Open Tournament Director. "We are confident that this decision will continue to build the Bell Canadian Open as a premiere PGA Tour event and will ensure that fans and players alike enjoy the best possible tournament experience at this wonderful venue."

The limited capacity, along with brisk ticket sales mean fans hoping to see the event in person will have to hurry. Less than 10,000 tickets are available for each of Thursday and Friday's rounds. Six thousand tickets remain for Saturday while fewer than 4,000 are left for Sunday's final round. The popular weekly badges, giving access to all tournament events, are close to sold out as well, with less than 4,000 remaining.

Tickets for the 2002 Bell Canadian Open may be ordered on-line at www.bell.ca/cdnopen, by phone at 1-800-571-OPEN (6736) or in person from the RCGA booth at the Toronto Golf & Travel Show, Feb. 28-March 3 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Advance single ticket prices are as follows:
Monday, Sept. 2, Practice Round, $10
Tuesday, Sept. 3, Practice Round, $10
Wednesday, Sept. 4, Championship Pro-Am, $30
Thursday, Sept. 5, Round One, $50
Friday, Sept. 6, Round Two, $50
Saturday, Sept. 7, Round Three, $50
Sunday, Sept. 8, Final Round, $50
Weekly Badge, All Tournament Events, $125

Juniors aged 15 and under are admitted to the grounds free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Terrace, Clubhouse and corporate hospitality packages are also available; please call the RCGA sales centre for details at 1-800-571-OPEN.

The Bell Canadian Open will be played September 2-8, 2002 at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ontario. For complete tournament information please visit the official Bell Canadian Open Web site at www.bell.ca/cdnopen.