(BEIJING,  Nov. 29) -- Fulfilling its commitment to provide an opportunity for a wide cross section of society to enjoy the Games, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) revealed details Wednesday of its affordable ticketing program (see the FAQ). Fifty-eight percent of all the tickets for sale will be priced at or lower than RMB 100¹. Among these will be a significant percentage of tickets available to Chinese students.

In developing the plan, BOCOG took into account an evaluation of the ticketing policies of previous Olympic Games and other major international events, consultations with experts in the field and extensive market research. Throughout the process, the Organizing Committee was guided by its commitment to ensure the greatest number of people would be able to experience the Olympic values and spirit and the national drive to develop a harmonious society. The result is a ticketing program that reflects the characteristics of both the Olympic Games and their host country.

According to the ticketing policy, the prices for sports sessions will range between RMB 30 and RMB 1000. For preliminary sessions, the tickets will sell for between RMB 30 and RMB 300, while for the finals, the range will be RMB 60 to RMB 1000. The lowest priced ticket for the Opening Ceremony will be RMB 200, while the highest priced ticket will be RMB 5000. The lowest price for the Closing Ceremony will be RMB 150, and the highest will be RMB 3000.

In line with BOCOG's Olympic Education Program, BOCOG has set aside a number of tickets to encourage attendance from among China's youth. About 14% of tickets available will be reserved for Chinese students.

Tickets will become available in China in the first half of 2007. More details of the ticketing program will be communicated at that time.

The IOC, which had encouraged BOCOG to find a pricing program in line with the local market, and approved the plans, commented, "The IOC is very pleased that BOCOG has found an affordable ticketing program which will maximize the opportunity for the Chinese public to enjoy the Games, whilst balancing with interest from the international community."

Note:

1. According to the People's Bank of China, the exchange rate as of November 29, 2006 is USD 1 = RMB 7.8394.