The Olympic Games are one of the biggest sporting events in the world, with thousands of athletes competing and millions of spectators watching. But how do all those people actually get tickets to attend the Olympics? The ticketing process for the Olympics is complex, involving multiple phases of sales, ticket packages, and lottery systems.
When Do Olympics Tickets Go On Sale?
Tickets for the Olympics typically go on sale around a year before the Games are set to begin. However, the exact Olympic ticket sale date varies for each host city. The first phase of ticket sales, called the domestic phase, is when residents of the host country can purchase tickets. This initial phase may start around 12-18 months prior to the Olympics.
After the exclusive domestic phase, there is usually an international sales phase when people outside the host country can buy tickets. This often starts 6-12 months before the Olympics. Additional tickets may be released over time leading up to the Games.
How Are Tickets Sold?
There are a few common ways that Olympic tickets are sold:
– Via the official Olympics website – Each host city will have an official Olympics ticketing website where people can purchase tickets online.
– Through authorized ticket resellers – The host city’s organizing committee partners with certain authorized ticket brokers or resellers to also sell Olympic tickets. These offer buyers another option for securing tickets.
– In-person sales – When the Games get closer, the host city may sell tickets directly at box office locations. However, availability at this stage is limited.
– Package or hospitality programs – Some tickets are offered as part of special hospitality packages that include perks like hotels and meals. These packages are usually expensive.
– Lotteries – Many countries hold ticket lotteries to distribute tickets randomly. Lotteries help ensure average citizens have a fair chance at accessing tickets.
What Types of Tickets Are Available?
There are several main categories of Olympic tickets available:
– Individual event tickets – These allow you to attend a specific sporting event, such as the Opening Ceremony, swimming finals, or track & field prelims. This offers the chance to see a favorite sport or athlete.
– Day passes – Day passes grant access to all events happening on a particular day. This allows attendees to move around venues and sample different sports.
– Multi-event packages – Packages combine several events over multiple days. For instance, a weekend package could include tickets to several marquee events.
– Opening/Closing ceremony tickets – The Opening and Closing Ceremonies are highly coveted tickets for those wanting the complete Olympic experience.
– Hospitality/VIP packages – As mentioned earlier, upscale hospitality packages offer amenities like gourmet dining, open bars, entertainment, and premium seat locations.
How Much Do Olympics Tickets Cost?
Olympic ticket prices vary dramatically based on factors like the sport, the specific event, the seating location, session times, and demand. High-profile sports like swimming, track & field, and gymnastics typically have the most expensive tickets. Games taking place on weekends and in the evening also command top dollar.
Some examples of estimated ticket prices:
– Opening/Closing Ceremonies: $1,500-$3,000+
– Popular event finals: $200-$1,500
– Prelims/early rounds: $50-$500
– Day passes: $100-$750
– Partial event packages: $300-$1,500+
– Hospitality/VIP packages: $1,000-$10,000+
Of course, acquiring any tickets during the high-demand initial sales period can be extremely difficult. But ticket prices generally decline closer to the Olympics as organizers release additional tickets. Last-minute deals can sometimes be found, but may not include top tier seating or events.
The Olympic Ticketing Process
Securing those coveted Olympic tickets takes strategic planning. Here is an overview of the typical ticketing process for the Olympic Games:
1. Check Ticketing Details
First, find details on ticketing for the specific Olympics you want to attend. The host city’s organizing committee will post this information on the official Olympics website 1-2 years in advance. Check for key dates, ticket prices, packages, lottery processes, sales phases, and terms & conditions. Sign up for email alerts about ticket sales kickoffs or other announcements.
2. Create an Account
When ticketing opens, you need to create an account on the official Olympics ticket site. This is required to purchase tickets and track your orders. Have all necessary information ready to complete the account registration.
3. Understand the Sales Phases
As discussed earlier, Olympic ticketing happens in multiple sales phases over a period of months or years. The initial sales are limited to residents of the host country. Make sure you accurately indicate your country of residence when registering. Subsequent phases expand to global audiences.
4. Be Ready Right Away
When each ticket sale begins, demand drastically exceeds supply for the most popular events. Have your account created, payment details entered, and schedule planned out ahead of time. Be ready to log in and start transacting the moment sales open.
5. Act Quickly
Transactions are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The most desirable tickets get snatched up incredibly quickly. Make your selections and checkout fast once you start shopping.
6. Try for Multiple Events
Given limited inventory, trying to score tickets to multiple events gives you better odds. Have backup choices for different days and sessions. If you miss out on your top pick, quickly pivot to other options.
7. Leverage Presales
Besides general public sales, major sponsors may offer presale opportunities to their customers. Sports governing bodies like national Olympic committees also get ticket allotments. Take advantage of any special presales available to you to get early access.
8. Consider Package Deals
If aiming for several events, multi-event ticket packages may offer some savings and efficiency compared to buying individually. However, you have less control over choosing specific events this way.
9. Use Lotteries
For popular ticket lotteries, enter as early as possible for the best chance. But expect low odds, often less than 1% even if entering every lottery. Have backups, since you probably won’t win the hottest draws.
10. Try Authorized Resellers
If coming up empty on initial sales, authorized secondary sellers are an option for finding tickets. But expect huge markups. Verify sellers are official Olympic partners to avoid scams.
11. Wait for Late Releases
As the Olympics approach, more tickets may be quietly released through the host’s website, resellers or box offices. Check frequently for new availability, but keep expectations reasonable for what’s left.
Challenges of Olympic Ticketing
Trying to buy Olympic tickets comes with many frustrations. Here are some of the biggest challenges faced by those aiming to attend the Games:
– Extremely limited supply – Only a small fraction of a host city’s population can fit into the venues. Supply is far below demand, even with temporary venues built just for the Olympics. This creates fierce competition for tickets.
– Technical issues – Heavy traffic floods the Olympics ticketing website when sales open. Many users experience timeouts, frozen pages, and error messages. Having patience and persistence is key.
– High demand for top events – The most popular Olympic events like swimming, gymnastics, and track & field have astronomical demand. Trying to get tickets for anything beyond preliminary rounds is incredibly difficult.
– Scalpers and resellers – Despite anti-scalping efforts, some buyers still hoard tickets solely to resell at inflated prices. This diverts inventory from genuine fans.
– Cost – After factoring in travel costs, Olympic tickets can become very expensive. And the multi-event packages favored by organizers drive up overall costs further for spectators.
– Timing – The phased nature of Olympic ticket sales requires buyers to make plans and commitments far in advance before event schedules are known.
– Lotteries – While lotteries seem fairer, the odds of actually winning anything are remote. And recipients are assigned events without choice.
– Scams – Unsuspecting buyers dealing with unauthorized brokers online risk buying fraudulent or duplicate tickets.
Despite the many headaches, scoring any Olympic tickets is considered a huge win for serious sports fans. But persistence, flexibility and lots of patience are absolute musts throughout the long ticketing process.
Tips for Improving Your Odds
Here are some expert tips for boosting your chances of getting those coveted Olympic seats:
Sign up for Presales
Leverage any special presales for which you qualify, such as sponsor customers, fan clubs or resident programs. These give access before the masses.
Aim for Less Popular Events
Focusing on preliminary rounds, sports with lesser followings, or weekday / daytime events greatly reduces competition.
Be Flexible
Having multiple date, time and venue options expands possibilities. Go after whatever’s available instead of fixating on one specific event.
Use Multiple Devices
Enlist friends or family to help search on multiple computers simultaneously when sales open. Try different web browsers and devices too.
Consider Travel Packages
Purchasing bundled travel packages including tickets simplifies logistics, although typically at higher prices.
Buy Early
Don’t wait for possible price drops closer to the event. Inventory declines later, so purchase during initial sales rounds when selection is best.
Avoid Resellers
Using unauthorized brokers has risks. Only use official resale channels through Olympics organizers or authorized partners.
Enter All Lotteries
It’s free to enter ticket lotteries, so submit for every one even if unlikely to win. But view lotteries as low probability backups, not primary strategy.
Follow Social Media
Host city accounts often announce flash sales or last minute ticket releases. Turn on notifications to receive alerts right away.
Stay Patient
Be ready to spend lots of time searching, waiting in queues, and tolerating errors. Persistence through the long process pays off.
Conclusion
Trying to buy tickets for the Olympics takes preparation, flexibility and determination. With extremely limited event inventory and astronomical demand, the odds are always stacked against prospective Olympic spectators. Having backup plans and tempered expectations is a must. Yet for die-hard sports fans, the thrill of attending a once-in-a-lifetime global mega event like the Olympics makes all the ticketing troubles worthwhile.