Rio 2016 expects to raise over 460 million dollars in ticket sales

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Organizers of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro expect to raise 1.2 million real (461 million dollars) in ticket sales. "Today is a very important day for Rio 2016," said organizing committee president Carlos Nuzman, as he unveiled the registration process for those interested in buying tickets. Sales started Thursday in Brazil. Initially, tickets will be available for purchase only for Brazilians, for whom 70 per cent of a total 7.5 million tickets for the event have been earmarked. Ticket prices will range from about 15 dollars to almost 1,770 dollars, the cost of attending the opening ceremony at Maracana Stadium on August 5, 2016. The finals for the 100m athletics event, volleyball, beach volleyball and basketball will have the most expensive tickets for sports events, at 461 dollars; followed by finals in football, swimming and diving, at 346 dollars; and the tennis final, at 270 dollars. Organizers said that 51 per cent of the tickets will go for less than 27 dollars, a price that will be halved if the buyer above 60 years, a student or a person with a disability. Organizers expect about 8 million ticket requests on their website (www.rio2016.com) during the first stage of the sale process. Ticket allocations are to start with a draw in March. If not all the tickets are allocated by then, a second draw will be done in June or July. In October, organizers plan to hold direct online ticket sales, and if necessary to sell through ticket booths near Olympic venues from June 2016. Foreigners wishing to attend the Games will need to buy tickets in their home countries, wherever their National Olympic Committees decide to sell them.