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Captain America passes not just for package buyers

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Organiser clears the air after fans complain about pricey Captain America packages

A day before Captain America: Civil War's highly anticipated "blue carpet" premiere this evening at Marina Bay Sands' (MBS) ice-skating rink, there has been chaos and confusion among fans over what access they would get at the public event.

Events company and organiser Reed Exhibitions has been slammed online for being exploitative with its $688 and $1,288 package deals.

These package deals include exclusive blue carpet passes to get up close with the movie's cast members, Chris Evans, Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie, who play Captain America, Winter Soldier and Falcon respectively.

The film opens here on April 28.

Though the event, which starts at 5.45pm, is free and open to the public, the sale of these packages gave fans the impression that only those willing to shell out the cash would be allowed to rub shoulders with the trio.

So what's the deal?

#TeamCap enthusiasts, we lay down the facts.

Do the blue carpet passes cost $688 and $1,288?

No.

The New Paper understands that the blue carpet passes - that grant special access to the restricted VIP zone close to the stage within MBS' ice-skating rink - are additional perks in the $688 and $1,288 package deals. The passes are bundled as a set with the gala movie premiere tickets.

It is believed that Disney and MBS have given out blue carpet passes - at no cost - to invited children and teenagers as part of the companies' corporate social responsibility initiatives.

These passes were also given to contest winners, VVIPs and other invited guests.

Those who bought the $688 package are essentially paying for a collectible figurine, a T-shirt, a one-day Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention (STGCC) ticket and a complimentary activity such as laser tag at Marvel's Captain America Festival at MBS. The festival starts today and ends on Sunday.

For $1,288, buyers get the same perks, plus a one-night stay in a deluxe room at MBS.

When asked about complaints by fans and netizens. Ms Lin Koh, assistant project director of Reed Exhibitions, told The New Paper that it has not received any complaints from buyers.

She added in an e-mail statement: "We were provided a very small number of passes (by Disney). Only a small handful of passes were packaged into a premium fan experience for devoted fans.

"The packages are fully subscribed. We are still receiving inquiries about passes, but unfortunately, we do not have any more."

Since the blue carpet event is supposedly free and open to the public, will non-pass holders get the same access?

TNP understands that those without passes will have to count on sheer luck to snag that prized selfie or autograph, as most of the blue carpet area within the rink will be barricaded.

But fret not.

The start of the blue carpet, where Evans, Stan and Mackie will enter from, begins near Cold Storage.

So camp out there and maybe you'll get lucky, if the Hollywood actors decide to slow down and interact with the crowd, and not just walk past you without stopping.

Members of the public can also view the event from the upper levels of MBS.


THOSE WHO MANAGED TO GET BLUE CARPET PASSES SAY...

I didn't know (the passes) were (part of a package available on sale) prior to getting them from my brother. I wouldn't have forked out that much... but I feel fortunate to get them.

­­- Mr Michael Chew, 36, director in a food manufacturing company

It all boils down to supply and demand. There will be people who are willing to pay. It's unlikely that I'll pay even if I'm a fan. Everyone just has to be realistic. Even if you are up close, you may not get a photo or autograph.

­­- Mr Benedict Choo, 33, event organiser

captain americafansUncategorisedMoviesPASSESChris Evansanthony mackie