Buying tickets for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris is anything but comfortable: you need luck, a well-filled wallet and a quick finger.
Admittedly, anyone who is only now, in February 2023, looking for a ticket for the Summer Olympics in Paris is almost too late. Because the first ticket packages are already being offered for sale these days. But that doesn’t have to be damage – especially not financial. But first things first.
Sales phase I is already running
Olympic fans from all over the world have been able to “apply” since December 1st. On the ticket homepage of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which is only available in French and English, those wishing to buy tickets had to register. Since February 1st, “winners” have been drawn from all participants.
Since February 13th, these “winners” have been receiving an email in which they are given a window of 48 hours to order their tickets. But beware: This is only about ticket packages, i.e. three events for which a maximum of six tickets can be ordered.
Ticket prices up to €690 – yet
After registration, the sports can be selected. The cheapest tickets start at 24 euros, for the medal decisions in athletics, 690 euros are due in the best category now, i.e. in the first sales phase – per ticket, per evening.
But beware: On the one hand, the IOC reserves the right to change prices, on the other hand, higher prices can be expected in the later sales phase. Incidentally, the resale has apparently not yet been conclusively regulated. Passing on the tickets outside of the official sales platform is prohibited in any case.
Sales phase II from March 15th
Speaking of further phases: Registration for sales phase II is possible from March 15th. Again by drawing lots, those will be determined who can buy tickets for the opening and closing ceremonies as well as for individual events from May. The prices for these “specific sessions” as well as for the individual events have not yet been published.
10 million tickets will be sold, almost half for less than 50 euros, as the IOC emphasizes. Anyone who buys “packages” in the first sales phase has to shell out a minimum of 72 euros. With a maximum of 30 tickets that can be purchased per account across all sales phases, it can easily add up to several thousand euros.
Family: pack your big wallet
A family of four, for example, who also wants to have a reasonably decent view of what is happening and the athletes at the events, can quickly find tickets in the high three-digit euro range.
An example of sales phase I. The F. family of four would like to watch skateboards: second-category seats cost 90 euros per person. But first, a visit to the canoe slalom is planned: 40 euros per person will be charged for tickets in the third category.
And as highlights there should also be unforgettable experiences during an evening with medal decisions in athletics. The cheapest tickets are available for 85 euros. Makes a total of 860 euros entry for only partially really attractive places.
Advice from the European Consumer Center: high buying pressure
The European Consumer Center points out that this shortage of time puts great pressure on those interested in buying. “Anyone who takes part in the raffle should think carefully beforehand about which sports they are really interested in and how much money they want to spend on going to the Olympics.”says Alexander Wahl, lawyer at EVZ Germany.
In addition to the tickets themselves, food, travel and accommodation costs must also be taken into account – and for all areas, prices for the games played from July 26 to August 11, 2024 can be expected to rise sharply due to the expected high demand.