Paris Olympics Ticketing System - Are the Promises Realistic?

The organizers of the Paris Olympics scheduled to take place in 2024 promised fans around the world relatively modest prices and equal access to events. They intend to achieve this by implementing an online ticketing system that will revolutionize the sales process, making it possible for fans to purchase tickets for as low as $26.

However, the first round of sales that began in February and is ending soon, with a total of 3 million tickets available for purchase out of 10 million, has left many fans feeling frustrated, angry, and cheated. While the winners of the ticket lottery had the chance to shop for tickets, the remaining tickets were sold for a minimum of 200 euros ($212) per ticket, with some fans having to buy packages for multiple sports, which ended up costing thousands of dollars.

Disappointed Fans

One fan who experienced this disappointment was Amélie Beney, an English teacher, and her 9-year-old son. When they won the lottery to log in to the Olympic ticket office, they found out that the affordable tickets for many events were gone. The only option available was to purchase tickets for a soccer match at 50 euros ($53) and at least two tickets for two other events. Beney and her son were disappointed, and their excitement to attend the Olympics on his 10th birthday vanished.

Many other fans had similar experiences, and while the organizers acknowledge that not everyone will be able to attend the Olympics, they promised that the ticketing system would provide access to all. According to Michael Aloisio, the deputy general manager of the Paris Olympics, “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.”

Organizers’ Response

The organizers defend their ticket package system and said that it is designed to arouse curiosity for other sports during the Olympics. They maintain that individual tickets will become available in the second round, which starts on May 11. The third phase is expected to begin at the end of the year when all remaining tickets will be put on sale.

Despite this, some fans like Davis, a freelance journalist who has lived in Paris for six-and-a-half years, are skeptical. “I knew it will be expensive, but why is the system that promised to give me freedom and choice to form my Olympic package tricking me into buying expensive tickets in sports I don’t want to see if I want to get expensive tickets for an event I really want to see,” she said.

Final Thoughts

The Paris Olympics organizers promised an online ticketing system that will revolutionize ticket sales, making the Olympics accessible to all. However, the reality is that the ticketing system is leaving many fans feeling disappointed and cheated. While the organizers have promised more selling phases, the skepticism of fans remains.

The Paris Olympics are a once-in-a-lifetime event, and everyone should have the opportunity to attend. Let us hope that the organizers live up to their promises and make the Olympics accessible to all.