Paris Olympics Ticket Sales - Promises and Frustrations

Organizers of the 2024 Paris Olympics made headlines last year when they promised affordable ticket prices and equal access to events for all, thanks to an online ticketing system. However, as the first round of sales comes to an end, many “lucky” winners are feeling frustrated, angry, and cheated. The promise of affordable tickets has been shattered for many, and the new ticketing system requires buying packages for multiple sports, making the overall cost for many buyers run into thousands of dollars.

The Disappointing Ticketing System

The first round of sales allowed 3 million tickets out of a total of 10 million to be sold, and buyers were given a 48-hour window to make their purchases. However, the remaining tickets offered were sold at a minimum price of 200 euros ($212), and many of the events were already sold out. For example, Amélie Beney, an English teacher, and her 9-year-old son, who won the lottery to purchase tickets, found affordable tickets for their preferred sports like BMX, water polo, and soccer, had already sold out. They were only able to find tickets for a soccer match priced at 50 euros ($53), but they also had to buy at least two tickets for two other events.

Disappointed, Beney said, “I became disillusioned (with the ticket system) and the prices. I wanted my son to live that unique experience… in our city.” Unfortunately, many other buyers share similar experiences of disappointment, anger, and disillusionment.

Organizer’s Response

The organizing committee of the Paris Olympics acknowledged that not everyone who wants to attend the Olympics will manage to get a ticket, and even fewer will be able to get tickets at an affordable price. However, they also said they were aware of the high demand and promised to offer more tickets in subsequent sales phases.

The deputy general manager of the Paris Olympics, Michael Aloisio, said in an interview with The Associated Press, “We know that people are going to be disappointed, and we know that we don’t have tickets for everybody, But we also know that we have more selling phases opening soon with more tickets.”

The Next Sales Phases

The second round of sales is set to begin on May 11 and will offer individual tickets. The third phase, expected to start at the end of the year, will put all remaining tickets on sale. Aloisio also defended the ticket package system, saying the organizers aimed to arouse curiosity for other sports during the Olympics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Paris Olympics promised affordable tickets and equal access to events. However, the first round of sales has left many buyers feeling frustrated, angry, and cheated. Although the organizing committee has promised to offer more tickets in subsequent sales phases, the disappointment of the first round has left many potential buyers wary of the new ticketing system.