Posted on 07/29/2012 9:07:12 PM PDT by bruinbirdman
London 2012 organisers promised an investigation after thousands of empty seats were visible at some of the most popular Olympic venues.
Rows of vacant spots were seen at swimming heats, volleyball, gymnastics and dressage events on the opening day of the Games - with “no shows” by Olympic officials, athletes and members of the media blamed.
The London 2012 organising committee (Locog) said most of the empty seats were not those sold to members of the public, but had been reserved for members of the “Olympic family.”
Sports fans complained in the wake of the great difficulty members of the public had in obtaining tickets for events after they originally went on sale. Many of the estimated one million-plus spectators lining the route of the men’s cycling road race yesterday said they had been unsuccessful in attempts to buy tickets for other events.
One, Alex Batchelor, wrote: “Can anyone explain why there are lots of empty seats? Tried repeatedly to get tickets without success.”
Organisers said last night that the public areas at the Aquatics Centre at the Olympic Park in Stratford, dressage in Greenwich Park, tennis at Wimbledon and volleyball at Earls Court and Horse Guards Parade were all full. '’The public areas at all of the venues are packed and rocking,’’ a Locog spokesman said.
'’It is accredited areas for sponsors, media, international federations and even the support staff for those that are competing that are looking a bit sparse.’’
During morning swimming heats at the Aquatic Centre there were an estimated 500 seats in one “block” alone, while there were thought to be more than 1,000 seats vacant at the gymnastics, despite would-buyers being told sessions were sold out.
Lord Coe, the chairman of Locog, had pledged to address the issue, which had plagued
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
Ticket holders decided no to attend events. What’s to “investigate”? It happens at any similar event, anywhere.
Those seats are assigned to certain groups, I guess. This is what happens you run sporting events like a political meeting.
I don’t think those “ticket holders” were actual people.
Or is it a crime not to show up?
Those Brits can be so dense sometimes.
Why are there so many empty seats?
It’s because no one is sitting in them.
/s
Olympic officials and other ‘special groups’ were assigned those seats. However, the public has been angry that they were not getting as much access as they wanted to events, and complained about the officials getting those seats.
The officials decided not to use the seats in the future, and the seats will be given to others.
I don’t personally have a problem with people connected to the Olympics getting seats. It won’t make a big difference int he overall scheme of things. So what if some people get perks based on their relationship with the event?
People will complain no matter what. Whiners rule these days.
What are the odds of a UFO sighting during the London Olympics opening ceremony?
The issue is that those seats were given out as political favors versus being sold to the public.
So Romney was right.
But then again, how do you prepare for aliens?
A lot could be due to jet lag. Spectators from around the globe are on different time rhythms.
Anyone could easily point out scale, venue, rarity, expense, demand and a few dozen other things, but why bother arguing with a shill who reads his replies out of a binder?
Carry on.
Right, my kid is swimming late heat, I show up for that heat.
There are huge swaths, even sections, of empty seats, and in the prime locations. FUBAR.
What do you expect from an organizer who pays tribute to the NHS during their opening ceremony?
A completely well-run Olympics? Or a disorganized event roiled by accusation of too much insider dealing?
I saw one section portrayed, but it seemed like they were zooming in on it to make it look bigger.
I have seen other empty sections, but we’re talking about a massive arena. I’m not honestly sure how many actual seats we’re talking about.
Perhaps you saw something a lot more impressive than what I did. I’m not watching very closely. My wife has been enjoying it.
It appears too many “VIPs” were given priority.
You folks may be right. I don’t want to reject the idea. It’s possible. I appreciate the alternate point of view.
They have a right to complain: they built the facilities with money taken from British taxpayers. . . .who then see empty seats, that they didn’t even have the ability to get for themselves. . .
Any bets on terrorist attacks?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.