After over 60,000 people packed BC Place over two days at the inaugural Vancouver visit by World Rugby Sevens Series in 2016, you knew this year would be big.

Well it appears it’s already even bigger than organizers likely thought. They’re sold out.

Last year’s event didn’t sell out until February 25th. Given that attendance was bumped up by 3,000 seats per day, they’re ahead of schedule.

Last year’s event set a Canadian rugby record, with 60,418 tickets sold over the weekend event. That record is guaranteed to be broken by this year’s event.

“I would like to thank rugby sevens fans in Vancouver, across Canada, and around the world for their incredible support of our tournament and congratulate them on once again breaking the national rugby audience record,” said Bill Cooper, CEO HSBC Canada Sevens. “The market has told us loud and clear that there is a huge appetite for rugby sevens in Vancouver, and we will be responding to make sure we meet that demand while continuously focusing on the quality of spectator atmosphere that was a hallmark of the 2016 event.”

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This year’s event, taking place on March 11 and 12, is sold out of the initial ticket inventory of 33,000 per day (66,000 total). BC Place holds 54,500, and there’s a chance organizers can increase capacity. Preliminary talks have already begun with BC Place and Ticketmaster about the possibility of opening up a limited amount of extra seating, with an announcement expected to come early next week.

BC Place holds approximately 27,000 seats in the lower bowl, meaning that 6,000 seats have already been snapped up from the 27,500-seat upper bowl.

“The Vancouver stop on the world circuit is becoming a fan and player favourite,” said Canadian Sevens Team Captain, John Moonlight. “As an athlete, it is hugely motivating to compete before a hometown crowd, and as my teammates and I watch the audience numbers grow, we are humbled and inspired to make sure that the HSBC Canada Sevens Vancouver event is a memorable one for everyone who comes out to support us.”

Last year fans poured into BC Place, many of which were decked out in hilarious ‘fancy dress’ costumes. Expect the same this year in what has become one of the best sporting events of the calendar year in Vancouver.