"shameful and biased ticketing process".

Please explain how so?

"It is bittersweet to read about and see the thousands of empty seats at various events occurring on a daily basis."

Reserved for Olympic teams and officials, and being handed back for resale on a daily basis, which is more than has happened at previous games.

"Even sadder is that hundreds of Americans in London are not able to purchase tickets to any of these events."

American residents in London (or the EU) can purchase tickets in the UK. American tourists are supposed to purchase them from their own Olympic body and if they have arrived in London without buying tickets in advance, then they are, frankly, foolish.

Your intended trip may not have been a success anyway if, by this time, you haven't gotten tickets, lodging, etc. Probably best to cancel rather than put them on hold.

How is the IOC and London to blame for you not having tickets yet? Surely you should have done what everyone else did and purchased them ( or tried too) when they went on sale? I bought mine last year when the lottery was announced.
However there are tickets available to ALL residents of the UK on the official website. As Kate says you should have purchased tickets from your countries official body. Still scratching my head as to why this is discriminating against Americans!

Another person unsure what your beef is DMB. Buy the tickets from American Olympic Body or buy on line in UK as the Olympic family give back what they now don't need.

It does look like the Olympic family did not need the Zill Lanes or the many front row seats as, quiet sensibly, they are off doing deals or having intimate relationships rather than watching sport.

I don't see this as a London issue as it is an Olympic demand to have those seats.

Kate,

There should be no difference for people of different nationalities having different venues to purchase tickets. An event of this magnitude should have equal opportunities for any and everyone to purchase tickets.

I lived in LA during the 1984 Olympics and I don't recall foreigners having to make special arrangements to purchase tickets or not being able to get tickets once they arrived in LA. As a matter of fact, I had a friend visiting from the Bahamas and we easily got tickets to attend events.

Tickets are being returned to the public because they have botched the ticketing process and have ended up with thousands of empty seats at events. Even so, these return tickets are not being readily and equally available to anyone that wants to purchase them.

What is more foolish than Americans or any other Non-UK or European citizens being able to purchase tickets is the thousands of empty seats at venues being left unsold and the botched process ticketing process that even Stevie Wonder can see.

You do but in your own country.
you do not have all your facts straight but I agree the empty seats are annoying BUT as I said some are available to purchase on the website as the VIPs/ sponsors who are not using the tickets are being encouraged to return them for sale. I checked last night to see if tickets were available for the athletics on Saturday, which they are but they are out of my price range BUT as your are travelling like a rockstar at the moment as per your current Asia board posts maybe you can afford them?

Judy,

You maybe right. However, not everyone runs on the same schedule. My work and business requires and gives me flexibility to travel that does not always allow for advance planning.

I have no problem going somewhere on short notice with litte advance planning. It is the way I have become accustomed to traveling.

The problem with London 2012, is that they have botched the ticketing process and turned going to see an Olympic event into a fiasco for foreigners.

For those that had the luxury of advance planning this is obviously not an issue. However, when there are people in London wanting to go to an event which has thousands of empty seats and they cannot purchase tickets for the event then there is a problem.

Only by sticking your head in the sand or drinking too many pints can you conclude that the ticketing process is not seriously botched up

I can't believe that many people planned to hop on a plane to London and just make a stroll out to Stratford, hoping to get some tickets on location.
I'd have guessed that anyone with half a mind and seriously interested in watching certain competitions would prepare such a trip long in advance. And would only travel if he had secured the tickets.
For me, it would be just be a cheap 1.5hr flight to London, and it never ever even crossed my mind that I should fly there and hope to get tickets somehow from somewhere on location.

If the unused "official seats" now only go on sale via the website which is restricted to EEA residents instead of being available in London thru outlets like for last minute theatre tickets (which I don't know), then this may be seen as a questionable strategy.

So, the biggest sporting event in the world and you expect to just rock up and get a ticket on the day. Get real......

Smeagol,

Keep scratching because you will be joining a lot of others like the ticketing vendors and politicans in London who are embarassed by this botched process.

Purchasing advance tickets are nice but also a gamble for those that need to have flexibility in their travel schedules for business or pleasure.

In any event, with thousands of empty seats occuring at events on a dialy basis, I would think the respective committes would be glad to make them available to anyone. However, this is not the case and there in lies the shame of the process.

Why should there be a separate process for buying tickets or even separate websites?

With today's technology this should have been a very simple process. Although I do not necessarily agree with it, I can accept a certain percentage of seats being reserved for officals and host country citizens.

However, beyond that there should be no difference to how tickets are purchased for the Olympics.

I make my case from an American point of view but I feel other Non-UK and Non-European citizens or residents are also being discriminated against by the ticketing process.

You state that tickets are available to ALL residents of the UK and I am not sure how you do not see this as discriminatory as obviously they are not available to ALL residents of the world.

After all, I think the Olympics is still an International World Event.

I am actually starting to realise that if you were locked in a room alone you would argue with yourself. Get over it and go elsewhere, London 2012 doesn't need your ££££ thanks.

You can get tickets just go through your offical websites see the below or is that not clear enough for you????

Residents outside the UK or designated European countries

If you are not a resident of the UK or a designated European country, regardless of citizenship, you will need to purchase tickets for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games through your local National Olympic Committee (NOC) or their appointed Authorised Ticket Reseller (ATR) or your local National Paralympic Committee (NPC) or their appointed Authorised Ticket Reseller (ATR)

bilboburgler,

I tried to purchase tickets online and after registering at the London 2012 site was told I was not eligible to buy tickets there and linked to another site that shows no tickets available.

However, I see on television and read about thousands of empty seats at events and thousands of unsold seats. Even the contracted vendors are embarassed.

As evidence of this botched operation, I just read a story that headlines:

"Olympic ticketing system to be reviewed by IOC for future Games"

I hope others that have a "beef" with my "beef" will also read this story.

If you had the regular advance sale on one website worldwide, you would have discriminated 3/4 of the world where internet access is no widespread commodity but a luxury.
If you discriminate country by country, you give almost all of Africa, much of South America and a huge chunk of Asia at least a chance to score tickets through alternative distribution mechanisms like mail-in lotteries or else.

Why they can't sell the empty seats to anyone sure is a bit of a mystery, though. I guess this issue had not been on anyone's list, so they are unable, incapable or not allowed to implement shortcuts thru the pre-planned procedures.

Smeagol,

I sense a bit of jealous.. but I am use to it as a "Rockstar"

If you would like, I can send you some more sand on my private jet.

I suspect you are as much of a rockstar as my cat it...

Cowboy1968,

What about people with less than half a mind or no mind at all. The crazy ones that make smart and sane people look even smarter and more sane.

What about the ones that are crazy enough to believe the world's not flat or that we could actually put a man on the moon or create seedless watermelons.

You should thank your lucky star for nuts

Smeagol,

I have been locked in a room many times alone and it is a lot of fun. You and your cat should try it sometime.. Meow

DMBT I understand and it must be frustrating, in the UK we are used to our newspapers making stories so that they fill their pages, maybe you are lucky enough to live in a society where there is real news (obviously the Huffington Post is an exception.. deep sigh..).

To me the amazing things is that most of the tickets have been sold or issued to the people who had to have them, that no one has turned up is nonsense but I still don't see it as anti-American. Very probably anti-non-internet use and anti-poor people but not anti-american.

Anyway if you cannot get in watch the TV.

Me, I'm just grateful that I can sit here and not be in Syria this day.

BB - well said. Anyway I am signing off from this ridiculous thread now.

Cowboy1968,

Your internet point as well as your solutions are well taken. Maybe these are issues the IOC will look into when they review this process.

As you alluded to I don't think flexiblity and other options were built into this process to deal with problems like this occurring.

Problems that some are not willing to admit has occurred and should be embarassing to them. For some, I know it is more important to keep a stiff upper lip than to admit to mistakes and address them.

Frustrating - yes. But its not just Americans, I am in London and cant get affordable tickets, but I will just watch it at one of the many open air venues or the pub.

I am so sick of hearing all the negative things about these games. There are so many great things going on too - can we focus on that? Every games have their hiccups, but the focus on them is getting old and overshadows the good.

As a Londoner I am super proud of how our volunteers and transport workers have handled the situation. The army has been amazing and the security at the event I did attend was amazingly fast and friendly - why cant the army work the heathrow security? Every volunteer I have encountered has been great and transit has been running.

THANK YOU to all the hard working people that ARE doing a fabulous job. You make me proud as a Londoner and you are making London look like the fabulous city it is! Congrats!

Biloburgler,

I don't think this is just your newspaper filling their pages. The London 2012 ticketing process has been a real fiasco. Hopefully the IOC will learn from this and not repeat it in 2016.

I guess you would have to be Non-UK or Non-European to see the bias in the process. I am sure my view is shared by Non-Americans as well.

I think I will take your suggestions along with "Smeagol" insights. I am going to retire to me room alone with me cat, have a cup of tea and crumpets and watch it all on me telly.

After all, London does not need me quids, mate

Jamikins,

Thanks for the "Positive" note

I just wish being able to attend the events were not so frustrating for anyone.

I know London is a great city and events like these do not happen without the hard work and dedication of numerous people and volunteers. Like you, I salute them.

Your post has encouraged me to keep my fingers crossed and maybe I will still get the chance to make the trip across the pond even if just to breathe the air and sense the feeling of the Olympic spirit in London.

Quite a reversal from the first post "Shame on you London, Shame on you IOC, you both are a disgrace to the spirit and joy of the Olympic Games."!

DMB I hope you do make it over - the atmosphere is amazing! They have great big screens up across the city to watch the events and everyone is in the Olympic spirit! All the pubs and many restaurants have the games playing and its like watching them with a bunch of friends hahaha.

There are also free events you can see where you dont need tickets- like the marathons on 5 Aug and 12 Aug!

And London would definitely appreciate your quid!

Happy Olympics everyone!

Having read this thread I can only say that the beginning sounds like a whine from the US, because the Games are not in the US. Explanations and changes have been made and Having watched what I wanted too on TV I haven't seen the "thousands" of empty seats. Rather than blame the London organisers, who I assume have to as they are told by the IOC surely those to blame are the corporate buyers and journalists who did't attend the early rounds of some competitions. Maybe DMB would care to give the Rio organisation the benefit of his/her "expert" opinion. BE thankful you can travel and possibly come over and see for yourself.

And they are off and running ... In London.

Yes, folks it's a lovely day to be at the races here to

Jamikins,

I might just join you for a pint or two

Would be glad to give London a few of me quids!

Name your pub DMB

tipsygus,

Of course, it is a whine from an American and one that does not particularily like wine but tequila!

Like you, I believe everything I see on the "telly" but occassionally I read a newspaper if the words are not too big for me. As a matter of fact I just read the following:

"Olympic ticketing system to be reviewed by IOC for future Games"

However, the words are too big for me. Maybe you can help me understand it. Why they do they have to "review"?

What does "future" mean? Rio?

OMG. I am so confused

Jamikins,

Open to recommendations in case, I make it there. For now, would probably be staying near LHR and taking the tube around.

DMB of course there will be a review of what was good and what was not. I thought when I wrote the future I meant Rio I did say that may be you would like to give your "expert" opinion to the Rio organising committee. Again if you wish to believe what is written in some newspapers be they UK, or US rather than what you see on TV fine. Sorry you are so confused.

tipsygus,

With half a mind, no common sense and being nuts, I am not too smart two bee an "expert".

I leave that for "tall horse posters" like yourself and others to do.

If I make it to London, I'm going to have a pint or two with the likes of "Jamikins" or tea and crumpets with "Smeagol" if I get out of my room

I think it sounds like someone is arguing with himself in a room while watching the tele.....Smeagol was right!!

Aloha!

The problem with London 2012, is that they have botched the ticketing process and turned going to see an Olympic event into a fiasco for foreigners.>>

DMB - i thought that this was a little harsh and I'm glad that you have revised you opinion a little. Thousands of empty seats was an exaggeration - not necessarily by you - but there were large blocks empty on the opening couple of days which it was difficult to explain just by saying that they were the `'olympic family" [whatever that is!] however whether they be officials etc or corporate tickets [more likely] they are filing them now which is the main thing.

what they have done very well, IMO, is to sell tickets for the more obscure events like the shooting and archery - the stands were clearly full today as the brit won his gold at shooting. that is a real achievement. [filling the stands, but the medal was good as well].

i have no idea what arrangements were made for US citizens to buy tickets, but I agree that not being able to buy them abroad in this era of the internet does seem a bit daft. However, the rules have been in place for some time, and you could of course have made the decision to buy them earlier on the off chance you'd be able to come. rich people doing that may explain some of the empty seats!

i keep hailing tuk tuk's here in nregent square, but they tell me that i look foreign and will not be allowed into any event..

I think some facts of the case would help the discussion.

The exclusive arrangement and last minutes ticket purchase issues for Americans: http://msn.foxsports.com/olympics/story/Americans-finding-it-difficult-to-get-Olympic-tickets-at-London-2012

Difficulties for even those who bought advance tickets including the seating arrangements: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jul/23/cosport-olympic-ticket-complaints

Instead of relying on media reports, I'll give you my personal experience. I was at the Olympic tennis on Monday (No 1 Court at Wimbledon). I'd tried for a year to get tickets and only succeeded at the 3rd opportunity earlier this year. When we got there, only about 50% of the seats were taken, with huge blocks of virtually empty seats, the like of which you would never see at the Wimbledon Championships. I enjoyed the day tremendously (great tennis, weather, atmosphere), but at the same time I was just enraged by all the empty seats and the thought of so many genuine tennis fans who had been unable to share in this historic event.

Don't believe any of the BS about LOCOG now selling off additonal tickets due to public criticism - it's rubbish. I've checked the London 2012 website repeatedly over the past few days and it still shows tennis as 100% sold out despite the obvious large number of empty seats still visible every time I switch on the TV.

My personal experience with beach volleyball on Tuesday was that it was packed...it seems that tennis was particularly bad for empty seats...would be interesting to know who has those seats...

The problems with the Olympics and ticketing are manyfold:

1) there are tons of corporate sponsors who of course all get tickets to the events. (akin to theater's "house seats" but on a larger scale) IF the sponsors people don;t attend the seats go empty. And there's no way to know if s a particular seat will be filled.

2) The sheer numbers of sponsor seats make it difficult if not impossible fr the venues to have a waiting list at the event.
3) Some sponsors as well as families of Olympians go for their person's event then leave. So the ticket is "sold" but not used for the whole time

There's no easy answer, and I understand the IOC/English committee saying that if there are unsold seats that can be sold, that they should go to British residents first. They are the ones putting up with he disruptions and thy are more likely to be there and actually take the seat. However why the seats can't then be sold online after 24 hours or so makes no sense

Bill: Hi Jim, looks a few of the regular horses have joined the race.

Jim: Yes, Bill I knew it would take too long. I think this is going to an interesting Olympic Equestrian event.

Bill: Jim, who are you putting your money on to medal?

Jim: Although it's a long shot, I am taking HT to Win seeing as he did so well in Asia, RK to place and unfortunately HM just to show.

Bill: Ok Jim, we'll chat sometime after our next race begins. Hope you make it over to enjoy London.

annhig,

I guess the news stories were all wrong about the empty seat situation. Although "Reuters" is reporting that the head of the British Oylmpic Asscoc says he is still concerned about the empty seat problems.

And from 3 days ago, "The Washington Post" here reported that London organizers offered empty seats to military members and students due to the anger from the shut-out of ticket seekers.

So I guess my criticism may have been a little harsh and I am glad to hear seats are being filled at "obscure events like shooting and archery".

However, I think Robinhood fans would disagree with you that archery is an obscure event

Even if "rich people" bought tickets a long time ago, it is still a problem for "poor people" to buy the thousands of tickets available now.

greg,

Come on dude, you don't expect us to believe Fox News or The Guardian do you? The telly and papers are all filled with lies!

Don't you know it is a conspiracy by the CIA and Obama to make the British and the IOC look bad?

Dude, wake up and smell the tea

GordonR,

What division of the CIA do you work for? Or is it Fox or The Guardian?

You would have to have no common sense, half a mind and be insane to believe your rubbish story.

I saw you on the telly and all the seats around you were completely full. I even got tickets to all the events I wanted to attend on the "LOCO, LOCO" website. Thousands of seats available.

I am sorry, I guess you just don't know how to use the internet properly.

mztery,

Thanks for adding to the discussion and giving some insight to what some do not even consider a problem.

Still dreaming of the Asia board group.,.....

You can tell by your questions and topics that our way of travel is making you think and ask questions......no denying it just look at your recent posts .....

Got you....hook, line,and sinker....did u notice the Harvard comma?

Aloha!

Bill: Hi Jim, I understand you have a breaking news story from the Equestrian event.

Jim: Yes Bill. In an exclusive interview I have just learned that the number one favorite horse, HT has had problems with the London hay.

Bill: Jim, please tell us more.

Jim: Well, Bill my sources tell me that they no longer smell a winner but something else that apparently they are holding their breathe and keeping a stiff upper lip about.

Bill: Jim do you thing this has anything to do with having to travel from Asia or just poor preparation on his team's part for these events?

Jim: Might be a possibility but for now I guess we'll just have to bridle it and see what comes out in the end.

Bill: Well Jim, if HT is like any of the other horses it's going to take a pretty big bridle to keep him on track. Thanks, for your update. I am sure I'll be hearing from you again real soon.

hey dmb, don't you feel dUmb about trashing london and the ioc for not recognizing your rockstar status, and not providing you the service that you think you deserve? (you don't need to answer this question. you know, the fifth stuff)

on a serious note, i think you are correct to voice your concerns and unhappiness with london and the ioc, however, i think you would be remiss in your capacity as a concerned non-uker to not provide recommendations to establish a policy for fair and equitable distribution of tickets to rockstars, and the common folk.

btw, where were you when mitt could have used your help.

>>There's no easy answer, and I understand the IOC/English committee saying that if there are unsold seats that can be sold, that they should go to British residents first. They are the ones putting up with he disruptions and thy are more likely to be there and actually take the seat.<<

And we have paid for this show, let's not forget. Not just in a theoretical 'my tax money that might've been spent on something else is going on the Olympics' way, but in an ACTUAL 'my London council tax went up specifically to fund the Olympics' way.

Also, DMB, you seem to be saying that tose who have the 'luxury' of forward planning have been favoured. Well, gee, it's the world's biggest event, d'ya think a little forward planning is out of line? Or should we hold back tickets for those who 'might' turn up, if they can fit it into their Very Important Schedule.

Sense of entitlement, much?

While one may dispute DMB's view on how things are handled, the Olympics are hardly an event for which host country residents deserve a free ride or compensation.

First of all, no one makes any potential host city apply at gun point. If you think that it's all too much or too complicated, then don't apply.

Secondly, no host applies to make the world a better place or offer a public service as a benefit to sports, but to generate revenues from visitors, now and later. As a tourist destination you get millions and millions worth of free media coverage in return. It's an investment in the future (or at least those who applied hope so). If it works out in another thing.

Thirdly, you can refinance the costs thru the private sector, by raising taxes or similar, or by a mix. When one host city decides to do it this way or another, it's not for the world to have pity.

If I may open another can of worms:

Aside from the fuming headlines (also or maybe even especially in UK newspapers), and aside from your common "Anglo-Saxon heritage" (hmm.. where did I pick up that again) I guess there is a basic difference in
a) what constitutes a flaw or failure and
b) how to respond to it.

I don't want to endulge too much in clichees but I think that the concept of enduring hardships, not complaining, and muddling through is maybe just hard to swallow for someone from the Western shores of the Atlantic.

This always helps:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2Wx230gYJw

Tweet from a reporter this morning

"My memory of every athletics competition at Olympic Games is of almost empty stadiums for early round morning sessions. This is outstanding"

The ticketing process in the UK has been poor, with early sales being made through a ballot, which favoured those with deep pockets who were able to bid for multiple events.

In actual fact, those buying tickets overseas early on had an advantage if anything, because they were able to buy tickets for specfic events, rather than the ballot and bid method.

I don't know who the last-minute tickets reclaimed from the olympic family and sponsers are being made available to - perhaps those are only available to UK residents aready registered with the 2012 website, but even if that is the case, it's a tiny percentage of the overall sales anyway - reclaimed tickets number in the hundreds, not thousands...

kuranoke,

I am sad that you are still bitter and upset that I did not get you front row seats to my last sold out concert. Like I told you that night, I have many other stalk... I mean fans from places like Hawaii (Aloha), Thailand (Tuk Tuk) and even London (Meow) that I must also entertain.

Thanks for your "Dumb" compliment, it is reassuring because I never want to be two smart because I am only one person. Besides momma says sometimes smart people talk out of both sides of their mouth and other parts of their bodies as well.

OMG. This usually confuses me

I would agree with you on one thing. I think no country should have nukers. I am against all kinds of weapons of mass destruction including stupidity.

Would you like to have a choc-o-lit

Kate,

Obviously you do not understand the life and busy schedule of a Rockstar

I do agree with you about taxes. I think only those that pay taxes should get the direct benefit of what those taxes pay for. For example, poor people should not get to ride the transit system or any help from the government because they do not pay any taxes.

Your point is part of my frustration because as a Rockstar whose idol was JL and who has drank a lot of British tea and eaten my fair share of kidney pie, I think I have in a way paid my taxes to "The United Kingdom" and should be given preferential treatment.

After all, I am rich and should not be denied the opportunity to attend the biggest event in the world

Cowboy1968,

Great points except I can assure you that people on both sides of the Atlantic or Pacific know about enduring hardships just like maybe you or others do.

alihutch,

Are you sure that reporter wasn't from Greece?

Also, could it be possible that if tickets were readily available that there would be no empty seats even for early morning events.

RM67,

Thanks for your post but I think you are a part of the ticket conspiracy group.

There has been nothing "poor about the ticketing process in the UK" and thousands of tickets are readily available to all

Having actually been to an Olympic event, I think this 1000's of empty seats story is a bit rubbish. We had tickets for a preliminary round of basketball -- a sport so unpopular in the UK they had to explain the rules before the beginning of the game! We watched Tunisia v. Argentina and Russial v. Brazil -- so no real powerhouses or big draws and almost every single seat was full.

Yes, I would prefer a way to get fans in the seats if corporate sponsors don't fill them. It would be better without corporate sponsorship at all - but then most of us wouldn't be able to afford the prices they would have to charge.

We had a great time. The venue is great and the volunteers were wonderful. The fans were lovely too -- I've seen more riotous, drunken behavior at Ascot where the tickets are 4 times the price! At one point there was a queue to joint the queue to get into the megastore (true Olympic spirit) and everyone just laughed and joked about it being another way to sample British culture!

Don't be so stupid DMB - there was a ton of stuff in the press last year about how complex the ticketing system was, and how those who could afford to make multiple applications were at an advantage. Also, about the repeated crashing of the website and the issue of visa cards being the only payment method allowed.

This year has been slightly better because some resale tickets have come onto the market, and the organisers also released a small percentage of tickets that had been deliberately held back. But there are still many people who would have liked to go and couldn't get tickets. It is complete rubbish to say that thousands of tickets are readily available to all.

BKP,

I am glad you had a great Olympic experience

Are you a UK resident or European citizen? I hope more people will be able to share in your type of experience.

As I mentioned before I know London is a great city and I salute the volunteers and others that have worked hard to make London 2012 happen.

It would just be nice if there was a better ticketing system for all to be able to enjoy the events.

RM67,

Stupid is as stupid does. Regardless of what was in the papers a year or two ago, the situation still turned out to be as you earlier posted:

"The ticketing process in the UK has been poor"

Are you now retracting your posting or are you one of those smart people that my momma told me about?

What's rubbish is your reading skills. I supported your earlier posting although I guess you missed it. My original posting is that there are not any tickets readily available.

Although you are smart and I am stupid I think we are on the right track just maybe different trains

No - your gripe was that the ticketing system was biased against Americans. (It wasn't to my knowledge, and as I stated earlier it was in fact easier to get tickets overseas at the start of sales, as you could buy whatever was available there and then, rather than entering a ballot as UK residents had to do).

My gripe was that the UK ticketing system in general was poor (biased against those with limited funds, unreliable website, restricted payment methods). None of those have anything to do with overseas sales. So a) we don't have the same gripe and b) I haven't contradicted myself anywhere.

You are clearly yet another incarnation of one of our tedious trolls who reappear with depressing regularity.

Definitely a troll or someone that needs serious help. Won't waste my time on this thread any more.

Gordon_R,

Agreed - a cursory reading of her other threads and "trip reports" pretty much confirms it.

Keep "pinkies" pointed, tummies in and a stiff upper lip. Gentlemen, Godspeed

"Keep "pinkies" pointed, tummies in and a stiff upper lip. Gentlemen, Godspeed "

Naff off, dipstick.