Paying for sporting events

Though it would not be fair to compare the stature enjoyed by the Olympic Games to that of the Commonwealth Games, a comparative look at the prices of tickets between the event hosted by Delhi in 2010 and the biggest sporting extravaganza at hand next year in London, would be apt. Such is the stark contrast.

While most of the tickets during the Commonwealth Games went unsold, the cost could hardly be blamed for the relatively low turn-out by Delhiites compared to international figures during a prestigious sporting events.

The minimum price of the tickets for athletics for instance, was fixed at Rupees 100. The maximum was Rupees 750 and the average cost was about Rupees 250 for a decent view of the event. Compare this to London where preliminary average prices have been  set to 20 pounds (Rupees 1500) for the cheapest seats for the preliminary round and 50 pounds (Rupees 3,600)for the final and super-final for the same seats. The most expensive section at the Olympic Park, the venue for the event, will cost a mammoth 750 pounds (Rupees 55,000) on an average for each spectator.

While athletics is the most expensive event as far as spectators are concerned, all other sports that will feature in the London Olympics next year is not cheaper by a huge margin. Gymnastics in the North Greenwhich Arena will cost avid fans 450 pounds (Rupees 33,000) per seat in the best section while mid-range seats will cost 185 pounds (Rupees 13,500). The minimum of 20 and 50 pounds for preliminary and final round respectively, stays.

In an overall estimate, if one is planning to travel from the sub-continent to London next year for the Olympics, it would be best not to expect a parity in prices between what they got in October 2010 and what will be at hand in July-August.

Note: All prices mentioned in British pounds have been converted in close approximation to Indian rupees.