Rio 2016 receives 750,000 requests for Olympic Games tickets on first day of sales
Opening ceremony, football, volleyball and basketball the most sought-after events as Brazilians enter first ticket draw
The opening ceremony was one of the most sought-after events at the London 2012 Games (Getty Images/Jamie Squire)
Within the first 24 hours of tickets for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games going on sale, fans from across Brazil applied for 750,000 tickets. Sales to Brazilian residents opened on Tuesday (31 March), while the non-residents of Brazil can now find out who is the authorised ticket reseller (ATR) in their country. Up to now, the opening ceremony and the finals of volleyball, football and basketball have been the most requested events.
“After just one day, the number of applications is the equivalent of 10 per cent of the total number of tickets available. This shows that Brazilians understand that now is the best chance to get tickets,” said Rio 2016 Ticketing Director Donovan Ferreti.
Tickets to the opening ceremony have been the most sought after. The show will take place on 5 August 2016 at the legendary Maracanã Stadium, with the cheapest tickets costing 200 Brazilian reais (about 63 US dollars).
The second most requested tickets are for the men’s volleyball finals, which will be held on 21 August at the Maracanãzinho, with tickets starting at 350 Brazilian reais (about 110 US dollars). The sport is one of the host nation’s best hopes for a medal – the Brazilian men reached the final at the last three Games, but have not won gold since Athens 2004.
The men’s football final, which could see a Brazilian team led by Neymar win their first Olympic gold medal in the sport, was the third most requested event. Tickets for the match, on 20 August at the Maracanã, start at 380 Brazilian reais (about 120 US dollars).
The fourth most requested event is the women’s volleyball final, in which the Brazilians will be hoping to challenge for their third Olympic title. Tickets for the match, at the Maracanãzinho on 20 August, start at 260 Brazilian reais (about 82 US dollars).
The men’s basketball final, in which the USA ‘Dream team’ will hope to compete for a 15th gold medal, is the fifth most sought after event. Tickets for the game on 21 August at Carioca Arena 1 in the Barra Olympic Park, start at 350 Brazilian reais (about 110 US dollars).
