The World Cup starts across New Zealand and Australia next week, with ticket sales tracking well and preparations to various facilities almost complete.
While World Cup chief executive Dave Beeche did not have specific numbers for Dunedin sales, the allocation for the Football Ferns v Switzerland game was "nearly exhausted" and he was comfortable with how the other five games were progressing.
"We’re probably slightly ahead of where we thought we would be with a week out," Beeche said.
"We’re just encouraging people to get involved, and come along, and see what’s going to be ultimately ... the world’s biggest women’s sporting event of all time.
"The thing I’d say to football fans, and others thinking about coming along, is they’re just going to be blown away by the speed, skill and talent of these athletes."
Fifa set an overall target of 1.5 million attendees across the tournament, and having recently reached 1.25 million ticket sales, it was not far off that goal.
"Obviously, it depends on who turns up on the day, but we’re well on track with our 1.5 million attendee target."
That received a boost yesterday when Xero announced it was offering 5000 free tickets to four New Zealand games, including Philippines v Switzerland in Dunedin next Friday.
"It’s a fantastic initiative. Xero have already demonstrated a huge commitment to women’s sport in the tournament and their partnership with Fifa and New Zealand Football."
World Cup tickets are only available digitally and there have been reports of elderly citizens struggling to access the website.
Beeche said while he had not heard of many people having issues, they could contact the help desk to support them navigate buying tickets.
Preparations were 100% on track ahead of the tournament, including the removal of signage at Forsyth Barr Stadium and upgrades to training grounds at Tahuna Park — which Beeche described as amazing — Logan Park No 6, Caledonian and Memorial Park.
It comes as the Swiss team was given an official welcome to Dunedin yesterday.
In a packed lobby at the Distinction Hotel, the Swiss players and their management team were greeted by deputy mayor Sophie Barker, Swiss embassy representative Nicole Kamasa, a representative from the Swiss community of Otago and Southland and fans, including a family that travelled all the way from Invercargill yesterday.
The teams captain Lia Walti said she was not expecting to see so many people from the Swiss community and felt very welcomed to the city.
"Everybody was so friendly and making it so easy for us to feel welcomed."
Midfield player Nadine Riesen said she was looking forward to a sunny day to go and explore some of Dunedin’s wildlife.
She wanted to see some seals and penguins and had heard of the steepest street in the world, Baldwin St.
