Massive Demand For Rugby World Cup Tickets Leads To Venue Change in Brisbane An overwhelming demand for tickets to Rugby World Cup 2003 matches in Brisbane has seen the Australian Rugby Union move all five matches originally scheduled for Ballymore to the larger capacity Suncorp Stadium. The General Manager of Rugby World Cup 2003, Matt Carroll, says the change of venue will allow another 150,000 people to attend the five Pool matches. "From our initial count of ticket applications, we know that demand exceeds supply for four of the five matches at Ballymore," Mr Carroll says. "Ballymore has a capacity of around 21,000 and we expected to fill it for matches like South Africa versus Samoa and France versus Fiji. Mr Carroll says there is a very real chance that matches of this calibre will even push Suncorp close to capacity. "This enormous demand for tickets really left us with no option. The choices were to turn tens of thousands of people away, or to ensure as many people as possible could have access to this tournament. "It's a defining moment for rugby in Queensland, with thousands of people showing their true colours by getting behind the tournament. "Indications are that we expect to fill the public ticket allocation for most of these matches at the 52,500 seat Suncorp Stadium, which is a great outcome for everyone. "We will continue to process the thousands of applications from the public and from the Rugby community for the five matches scheduled for Ballymore.