Rugby World Cup playoffs will not feature on big 3D screens this October because of low ticket demand.
Rugby World Cup Ltd (RWCL) came up with the initiative early this year and was to show screenings across New Zealand using 3-D technology.
The Queenstown Events Centre was to host screenings of four playoff matches, the bronze match, semifinals and final.
The centre's events and venue manager, JD Marrable, said it was notified by RWCL on Thursday that New Zealand production company 3DLive was not able to meet costs, so it would have to cancel the screenings.
Mr Marrable was disappointed because he said it would have been a unique experience for locals.
"We thought it was going to be a fantastic event. It was something unique for us and fans alike."
He wasn't "quite sure"on the number of tickets sold, but said it would have been in the low double figures.
Tickets were about $80 for the viewing. Drinks and nibbles were extra.
Many people would have planned on viewing the games at home, or at the pub.
In a statement last week, RWCL's chairman, Bernard Lapasset, said it was "reluctant" to make the decision.
However, 3DLive was "no longer able to meet production costs" because of slow ticket sales.
3DLive had been granted the screen and cinematic rights for the New Zealand and Australia markets for an eight-camera 3-D broadcast feed.
"We explored every option to try and make production viable. However, the 3-D market in sport is in its infancy and, at this late stage, all agreed that cancelling the 3-D programme was the most appropriate decision for the tournament," Mr Lapasset said.
- Olivia Caldwell
