Bums on Seats

At the end of the day the name of the game is to ensure that the Olympics in Athens are fully attended, and that there are no empty seats.

The Athens 2004 Olympic organisers gave an update of the seat sales yesterday.

In summary:

• The total number of tickets sold as at 16 April is 1833919



• The total face value of the tickets sold is Euro137M (approx 75% of budgeted sales)

Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Marton Simitsek, in a candid admission pointed out that doing things at the last minute, including buying tickets, is typical of Greece.

If you want to buy tickets the prices are as follows:

• Opening Ceremony: limited number of tickets in price categories Á (Euro950), Â (Euro750) and C (Euro350)


• Closing Ceremony: limited number of tickets in price categories Á (Euro750), Â (Euro500) and C (Euro100)


• Men's Basketball Finals (Gold Medal and Bronze Medal matches): limited number of tickets in price categories A (Euro300) and B (Euro150)


• 64% of the tickets remaining (2250000) cost less than Euro20


• 43% of the tickets remaining (1500000) cost Euro10 or Euro15