Many lose out in the great Dalai Lama tickets rush
Tickets to see the Dalai Lama in Dundee sold out within hours as early risers queued through the city streets.
Tibetan Karma Tenthar was delighted to secure a ticket.
- By Jonathan Watson
- Published in the Courier : 02.02.12
- Published online : 02.02.12 @ 04.32pm
Hundreds waited patiently as the line of people stretched from the City Square as far as Castle Street, with some said to have started queuing from 6am for Wednesday's sale.
Such was the demand to see the preacher on his first visit to the city, box office sales were concluded just over two hours after opening to the public. It means a packed Caird Hall will await the Buddhist leader when he arrives in the city in June.
Braving the cold was Robert Britton (29), who said the opportunity to see such an important figure was too good to miss.
''It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience — like the Pope coming to Scotland two years ago," he said. ''You never know when these people will come back so I want to get tickets to see the Dalai Lama. It's been a long wait but I'm sure it will be worth it.''
Tibetan Karma Tendhar was one of the first to get a ticket. He said: ''I am really looking forward to seeing the Dalai Lama. I've managed to get a ticket for me and one for my son — I think I will have to keep them in a safe place and then count down the days until June.''
Tickets were sold out shortly after 11am, leaving dozens out in the cold.
Attempts to buy tickets online also proved frustrating for some, with servers at the Dundee City Box Office website having struggled to cope with the traffic.
Laura Lucas from Broughty Ferry contacted The Courier having failed to secure tickets.
Concerned about the volume of tickets sold online, she said: ''I was waiting for two hours and there must have been about 250 people ahead of me. Even if they bought two tickets each then that's only 500 tickets sold.
''I am exploring my spirituality at the moment and wanted to see the Dalai Lama in my home town.''
The Dalai Lama will visit as a guest of Dundee University and Dundee City Council and will deliver the Margaret Harris Lecture on Religion at the Caird Hall on Friday June 22. The talk, entitled Education of the Heart, will take place during the university's graduation week celebrations.
- See more on the Dalai Lama tickets rush in Friday's Courier
05.15pm - 02.02.2012 Lisa Campbell - Dundee, UK Report This
Many lost because the DCC IT setup could not cope with the demand. Staff at Caird Hall spoke of the same problems that many folk had when trying to buy tickets online. 1 minute the seats were there but just seconds later they were gone. If Dundee is going to hold these big events, get the IT fixed!
05.28pm - 02.02.2012 Roberts - Perth, Scotland Report This
We as Christians find it very sad that this man has been allowed into our country. Unfortunately, this is an ill wind and he does not bring any good with him.
05.31pm - 02.02.2012 Fiona Douglas - Dundee, UK Report This
I have had numerous issues trying to book tickets online with the website, when you compare it with other companies providing the same service it is seriously lacking. I have spoken to Caird Hall staff about my issues but it is still unresolved. Very disappointed to miss out on this event.
07.05pm - 02.02.2012 A Bailey - Dundee, UK Report This
Nice to see such a Christian and tolerant approach from Roberts in Perth. I fail to understand what ill wind the Dalai Lama can possibly bring. Pity you couldn't get a ticket to hear him and learn tolerance from a man that has been persecuted.
07.15pm - 02.02.2012 ann - Dundee, United Kingdom Report This
mr roberts ^^^^ you do not speak for all christians... as christians we accept and love all gods creatures, just as his holiness would unto you and yours...
07.27pm - 02.02.2012 J Campbell - Edinburgh , Scotland Report This
Re Roberts Perth. I assume you are actually speaking on behalf of the Chinese government. I hope you are really speaking as Christians as you are a poor example if that is the case.
07.47pm - 02.02.2012 Frew - Dundee , Scotland UK Report This
Ths wa a Dundee event. These tickets should have been for sale only to people living in Dundee with 1 ticket per person.
08.56pm - 02.02.2012 Karen - Acceptance, UK Report This
Roberts - Perth. As Christians I thought you were meant to be open minded, not judgemental? Consider how much you know about the Dalai Lama from your own experience before making such harsh statements. Ask someone who has been in his presence and you will find he only brings great happiness.
10.10pm - 02.02.2012 ACJ - Dundee, Scotland Report This
@Roberts: Is that a poor fishing attempt? I'm pretty sure the Dalai Lama does not intend to destroy the country, despite what your religious beliefs tell you to think.
11.02pm - 02.02.2012 Mary Anne - Dundee, Scotland Report This
@roberts - perth, scotland We as Christians find it very sad that this man has been allowed into our country. Unfortunately, this is an ill wind and he does not bring any good with him... personally I find your attitude very sad and very UNchristian, thankfully WE don't all think like you.
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