World Relays tickets price yet to be approved
calistus koolantsho | Tuesday December 2, 2025 08:51
Botswana will become the first African country to host the World Athletics Relays from May 2 to 3, 2026 at the National Stadium, Gaborone.
Speaking to Sport Monitor, Bobby Gaseitsiwe, from the Gaborone 26 Secretariat office said evaluation and identification of tickets vendors has been finalised.
He explained that what is left is to confirm the vendors’ capabilities in order to avoid extra printing.
Gaseitsiwe added the companies are also talking about cardless tickets, but the Secretariat wants to make sure if indeed the companies will be able to deliver.
“We do not want to take chances because we do not want the tickets to be duplicated. We have identified companies registered in Botswana,” he said.
“The proposed ticket prices have not been approved, but have been forwarded to the Local Organising Committee (LOC), which will then forward it to the World Athletics (WA). The venue is around 23, 000 seater, we are thinking of selling maybe 21, 000 tickets because the two stands will be dedicated to the media.”
Gaseitsiwe revealed the interest is high for tickets from across the world, with some asking World Athletics when the sale will start because the timeline was mid-November. He said it is something that they need to do well on it.
Regarding the facilities, he said refurbishment of University of Botswana which will be the warm area has started. It is expected to be completed in January while the National Stadium will be completed this month (December).
Meanwhile, addressing the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) Annual General Meeting (AGM), Gaseitsiwe said the 2026 relays will be a qualifier for the 2027 Beijing World Athletics Championships.
According to the spokesperson, the significance of the relays is to offer smaller nations an opportunity to shine on the global stage.
“World Athletics is happy with the progress we are making, they came here to see if we are in the right direction. I can report to you that we will be able to host in May.
“As we host these games, we are not going to forget who we are as a nation. We are expecting large number of tourists. Countries like Canada have indicated that they are coming earlier, I think even other countries will be arrive early to acclimatize,” Gaseitsiwe said.
He said they are expecting 1, 200 athletes from 59 countries, 635 officials, 600 volunteers both local, international, 60 technical officials to handle the relays and 150 international broadcasters.
Gaseitsiwe noted they may not make much profit but the relays will market the country. He said National Sport Associations (NSAs) will also be assisting in the event as volunteers, using their offices and other resources.
He said NSAs will be expected to purchase tickets at a fee of P10, 000.
“To host the relays it will be sponsorships opportunities for all NSAs. The World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26, is not an athletics but a national statement. We intend to deliver a top tier sporting event,” Gaseitsiwe said.