2018 has been a stellar year for sport and at Ticketmaster we’re happy to play our part in supporting our sports clients and their fans all around the world.
From football to basketball, equestrian to cycling, our International team is proudly made up of thousands of passionate sports fans too, so find out what our sporting highlights were in 2018.
Robert Holland, Senior Operations Manager, Ticketmaster Sport
“I’ve loved the FIFA World Cup ever since seeing the ticker tape final of Argentina ’78. The 2018 edition was spectacular – VAR, the hosts progressing, waistcoats, POR 3-3 ESP, great goals, Mbappe, Modric, Kane, FRA 4-3 ARG, penalties, Germany(!) and of course England making the semi-finals for the first time since 1990. Then there was The Ryder Cup, the only time I feel truly European. Molinari, Fleetwood, Moliwood, slow start, clean sweep, Garcia’s points record, American infighting, postman Poulter delivering – smashed ‘em
Nathan Crook, General Manager – Marketing, Ticketmaster Australia & New Zealand
“The highlight of the Australian sporting year would have to be the epic AFL Grand final between Collingwood & The West Coast Eagles which was won by the Eagles in the dying minutes of the game to send the premiership cup to Perth for the first time in 12 years. This was a great achievement by the Eagles who in 2018 moved their location to the newly developed Optus Stadium which is exclusively ticketed by Ticketmaster. The Eagles have been a great supporter of Ticketmaster and it was fantastic to see them achieve the ultimate success!”
Francesco Colonnese, Sales Director, Ticketmaster Italy
“The Grand Prix motorcycle racing is the most thrilling live sports event that you can attend, especially if you are a two-wheels lover. As an Italian I’m really proud of Valentino Rossi, the worldwide icon of this sport and I have always followed his career and his successes with passion. One of the next objectives in Italy will be to sell tickets for this sport too!”
Laura Johnson, Director of Marketing, Ticketmaster Sport
“Badminton Horse Trials is without a doubt one of my favourite events in the sporting calendar and this year was no exception. Top equestrian talent, brilliant atmosphere, superb weather and a nail-biting finish for Jonelle Price and Classic Moet to claim the prestigious title for 2018.”
Miriam Schlüter, Director of Marketing, Ticketmaster Germany
“My highlight in 2018 is definitely the European Athletics Championships. The atmosphere in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium was fascinating, the whole city was a huge sports party, and the Berliners welcomed sports fans from all around the world.”
Jean-Luc Pechinot, Client Relations Director, Ticketmaster France
“My highlight most certainly was the Davis Cup Final in Lille, so much emotion and an incredible supporting audience for this last edition of the Davis Cup in this format, even if the France team lost to Croatia!”
Adam Newsam, Managing Director, Ticketmaster Sport
“For me my highlight has been less about a specific moment, and more about discovering new sports. From the niche (Sumo Wrestling in Japan) to the mainstream it’s been an awesome year, but the stand-out highlight has been immersing myself more in basketball – I really love the fast-paced, end-to-end action and the raw physicality of the sport, as well as the brilliant atmosphere, and have enjoyed becoming a semi-regular attendee at Olympiacos BC games in Athens.”
Tessa Hunt, Head of Marketing – Sports & Special Events Ticketmaster UK
“The Championships Wimbledon would undoubtedly be my sporting highlight of 2018. The atmosphere at the All England Club is totally unique, unlike any other tennis tournament, or indeed any other sporting event, I’ve been fortunate enough to attend in the UK and across the globe. You feel the sense of tradition and history as soon as you walk in the gates, and whether you’re watching the top seeds in a coveted Centre Court or No. 1 Court seat, enjoying the action on the outside courts, or soaking up the atmosphere with a picnic and Pimms on Henman Hill/Murray Mound, there really is nothing quite like it!”
Timo Skrzypski, Sales Director Sports, Ticketmaster Germany
“For me the promotion of long-term client Handball Hamburg was my personal sports highlight of 2018. Seeing them back in the second professional Handball league in Germany is a wondeful achievement.”
Joanna Young, Director, Brand and International Marketing Services Ticketmaster International
“As a Crystal Palace fan I’d have to say the wonder goal from Andros Townsend in our match against Burnley, our first win at home this season. Really the highlight of this moment was knowing we’d be singing my fave Bowie-based chant for the rest of the match… ‘There’s a star man, playing on the right. His name is Andros Townsend and he’s dynamite.’ Genius. Moments like these make me proud to be a Palace fan!”
Jérome Kuster, Parameter Settings Operator, Ticketmaster France
“The FIFA World Cup 2018, in particular the magnificent Benjamin Pavard’s goal against Argentina and France’s eventual victory against Croatia in the final.”
Makel Van De Wall, Sales Manager, Ticketmaster Netherlands
“The Amstel Gold Race is one of the classic races in professional cycling and takes place in the Netherlands each year. This year I was lucky enough to travel in the neutral team car and it was a truly amazing experience. Right in the midst of all the action, beautiful weather and scenery, thousands of enthusiastic fans, just incredible! And soon after the event, my football team PSV won the Dutch football title after a direct clash with Ajax. An unforgettable day!”
Anna Montgomerie, Equestrian Sports, Ticketmaster Germany
“I got goose bumps in 2018 watching Isabell Werth’s breathtaking performance with Bella Rose, a horse who had only just returned to work following an injury 4 years prior. Isabell and Bella’s winning performance in the Individual Dressage Championship at the FEI World Equestrian Games was spell-binding and Isabell ending the performance crying tears of joy was certainly a moment to behold.”
Eleonora Torre, Marketing Manager, Ticketmaster Italy
“Since I was very young it was under no doubt that I would continue the family tradition of supporting AC Milan, the oldest and most prestigious football club in Milan. AC Milan is one of the most successful clubs worldwide, having won a total of 30 domestic honors and many of the most important international football players have been part of the team in the last 20 years. It is always an emotional and atmospheric experience going to the San Siro Stadium to attend the matches, especially if it is a derby against F.C. Inter!”
Jack Iacono, Marketing Coordinator – Sport, Ticketmaster Australia & New Zealand
“Chelsea Football Club arriving in Australia to take on locals Perth Glory was definitely my sporting highlight of the year. It was amazing to witness the side I grew up supporting and such world-class talent on display down under, held at the new state-of-the-art Optus Stadium. Chelsea were the first international football (soccer) club to appear at the Stadium after it opened in late 2017, which was a pretty special and unique experience to be a part of!”
Jackson Green, Business Development Manager, Universe
“Watching England vs USA at Wembley. A comfortable 3 – 0 victory which marked the end of a fantastic year for the England football team and their uncharacteristically joyful fans. It was also great to cheer on Wayne Rooney for the final time as he picked up his 119th cap. We wish him well in DC!”
Anna Dimitriadi, Marketing & Sales Support Manager, Ticketmaster Greece
“By far the best moment this year was the 2018 Basketball Champions League Final Four. It took place in the Olympic Indoor Hall in Athens and the big final was between Monaco and AEK Athens, with the latter winning the trophy and crowned European Champion! What a wonderful feeling watching 18,000 people cheering and singing for the winning team when their captain lifted the trophy!”
Christian Carlborg, Key Account Manager, Sales Strategy & Sports, Ticketmaster Sweden
“The FIFA World Cup is always a special event every 4th year but this year was really special for us Swedes with our boys qualified and doing really well. Winning a difficult group and eliminating a strong Switzerland in the round of 16 was so much more than we expected. This year I’ve also discovered Padel Tennis, started playing myself and following the World Padel Tour – The Masters Final in Madrid was awesome! If you like a fast paced, close game filled with finesse you should try/start watching Padel!”
George Hellens, Client Marketing Manager Sport, Ticketmaster UK
“UFC London Werdum v Volkov, O2 Arena. The UFC never ceases to amaze sports fans let alone fans of Mixed Martial Arts. The UFC celebrated their 25th year in 2018 and brought a strong card to London again to celebrate one of their biggest events in the calendar. As with other UFC cards it’s not just the main event that brings the crowds as the adrenaline starts from when the doors open. My highlight was definitely seeing a legend in Werdum go against the young challenger Volkov. With another UFC set to return in 2019 you can guarantee I’ll be there.”
