The worst of the economy is over, says VANOC's deputy CEO.
Dave Cobb said Monday sales of luxury suites, VIP ticket packages and billboards have improved since Labour Day.
"Overall we have seen a pretty significant change since we exited the summer and have gone into the fall," he said.
Cobb said 10 suites are left at each of B.C. Place Stadium and GM Place, where the top price is $264,000. He said nearly 40 of the $285,000 Vancouver 2010 Club ticket packages have been bought.
VANOC has $6 million left of its $40 million out-of-home advertising inventory. Last spring, sales stagnated at $28 million. Cobb said groups like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and B.C. Civil Liberties Association could buy, but they haven't so far.
VANOC reported a $198 million deferred surplus in the Monday-released annual report for the period ending July 31. The release was delayed from Friday because of the death of chairman Jack Poole.
"Soon our cash outflows will increase dramatically as we begin to pay our suppliers," said chief financial officer John McLaughlin, who forecast the Games would break even.
The annual report said $183.6 million in tickets were sold through July 31. Cobb did not disclose quantities. At least 100,000 more go on sale Nov. 7. VANOC is poised to announce a resale website that would allow tickets to be sold for greater than face value in a bid to fill every seat and prevent fraud.
