I'm planning a trip to Valencia, Spain this June to see the Americas Cup. To see the race better I would like to purchase tickets to go on a spectator boat. The web site to purchase these tickets is called "El Corte English" and it seems well done and legitimate but they request my passport number to complete the purchase. I called them to try and purchase tickets not using the passport number but again I was asked for the number or the sale could not be completed. Is the use of a passport number common to purchase event tickets for overseas? Also if anyone has been to an America's Cup I would appreciate any advice you can give to get the most out of the experience. Thank you in advance for your help.

El Corte Inglés is a rather well known chain of department stores in Spain & is a sponsor of the Cup

They are asking for passport (or ID) number to stop touts buying large quantities of tickets.

Did you register as per the instructions - http://tinyurl.com/yrxn89

I didn't register but I will. So the use of a passport number for purchasing tickets is secure? Thanks

Cortes Ingles asks you for ID if you buy things there in person, also, if you use a credit card and are a foreigner. Now I don't know how asking for a passport number online would work for that. Of course it's legitimate, that's a very famous store (unless you got a bogus website pretending to be them).

I suspect they'll be checking passport against tickets when you board the boats

write [email protected]

or call 34 96 381 6066

this is the direct sales office at the port.

they will send you the info to make a bank transfer with your name and number of guests and type of boat/food.

boat up to 220 people is 80 euros/day per person, no food.

the 80 person catamaran will cost 160 euros/day /per person but will have constant drink and food.

ther is also a big screeen t.v set up outside, and also at every bar and restaurant.

if you know ANYONE on a team, start asking now to buy a day pass to the Fore Deck club.

also, be at the canal around 11 a.m everyday to watch the boats parade out.
let me know when you come and we can meet if you like.

it is fabulous.

treat yourself to a drink at the Las Arenas Hotel after the races to people watch, or go to the Westin, or hang aorund the lower restaurants on the pier at fore deck club.

the BAR ESTRELLA, in the port at beginning of canal is a hang out for the teams and crew at night.

should be fun. it already is.. and the best is yet to come.

C.I needs an ID number when you are making online purchases. This is later for their taxes.

p.s. you can buy groups of tickets with no problem.

i may not have copied all the prices correctly. they will send you the official program.

should not cost more at C.I. do you still pick them up at the port? (most convenient place)

Yes, tickets can still be picked up at the port or any Corte Ingles as far as I know. Thank you for the info!!