The first 1000 tickets to the 2021 Great Northern Darwin Cup Carnival have been sold, with no sign of slowing any time soon.

Darwin Turf Club chief executive Brad Morgan said it was an exceptional uptake of tickets.

“We have had tickets on sale for less than a fortnight, so this is a huge initial surge that we have not seen for many years,” he said.

Tickets sales has also reflected increased interest from the eastern states market with domestic travel expected to be strong in 2021 because of international travel still being compromised due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“We are thrilled to see so many people from interstate buying tickets and we look forward to welcoming them during their winter to our beautiful dry season for our month-long racing event.”

Most important is the contribution the Great Northern Darwin Cup Carnival makes to the Darwin economy, with many patrons adding accommodation, flights and other tourist attractions like fishing charters to their itinerary.

“I hope we see a big dry season for all tourism operators in the Top End with the Great Northern Darwin Cup Carnival helping to contribute to that,” Mr Morgan said.

The Legends of the Straight Marquee on Darwin Cup Day has proven to be exceptionally popular, and the Atrium on Darwin Cup day is almost at capacity.

The New Public Stand is also performing strongly with luncheon packages and private boxes in high demand.

“Five of the six corporate boxes have been sold to patrons from the eastern states on Darwin Cup Day which is very exciting and shows we have a premium product on offer which people want to be part of,” Mr Morgan said.

Tickets can be purchased through the Darwin Turf Club website.