2023 U-17 World Cup: Worried About Empty Stadium, Panpel Provides Free Tickets For Students In Bandung

Dispora Bandung Regency plans to provide free tickets for the 2023 U-17 World Cup group stage for students at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium (photo: Doc. PANITIA)

JAKARTA FIFA U-17, indeed an international tournament. However, this tournament does not necessarily attract football lovers in Indonesia. Because this is only a junior level tournament where there are no famous players who provoke the curiosity of the football community in the country.

To make the stadium full of spectators, the Bandung Regency Youth and Sports Service (Dispora) plans to provide free tickets for the 2023 U-17 World Cup group stage matches for students at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium.

This plan is in accordance with the wishes of the Chairman of PSSI, Erick Thohir, who asked local governments to play a more important role in important events. The number of tickets and their allocations is currently still being discussed.

"The plan is that this free ticket is only for students, and sorry it's not for the general public," said Head of the Bandung Regency Youth and Sports Service (Kadispora), Kawaludin.

"Regarding how many tickets are available for any match, it is still in the maturation stage with other agencies. This includes being given to any school," said Kawaludin.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) also plans to invite students to watch the match for free. Plans to provide free tickets are also carried out by other government agencies, including the Ministry of Health.

The ministry will provide free tickets to medical personnel who have worked hard during the last COVID-19 pandemic.

Free tickets are also given to children from the Football School (SSB). This program will be implemented in three cities, Jakarta (JIS), Bandung (Si Jalak Harupat) and Solo (Manahan).

The 2023 U-17 World Cup will take place from 10 November to 2 December. In total there are 24 countries to become contestants, including the host Indonesia.

Indonesia itself is included in Group A with Ecuador, Morocco, and Panama. The Red and White will start the group phase against Ecuador, Panama, and Morocco.