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Debate Continues on Tokyo Olympics Ticket Pricing Scheme


On May 15 the organizing committee of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games held a hearing to consider expert opinion on sales strategies for tickets for the games. The plans presented included setting the maximum ticket price for the opening ceremony at the same level as for the 2012 London Olympics, 288,000 yen [~$2600 USD], but others called for a wider range of pricing options. With no agreement reached discussion of ticket pricing is set to continue.

The committee did manage to set pricing for some Olympic events, ranging from 2000 yen [~$18 USD] for first-round soccer matches to as high as 108,000 yen [~$980 USD] for athletics. Opening ceremonies for the Paralympic Games will max out at 144,100 yen [~$1300 USD], with individual event tickets ranging from 1000 yen [~$9 USD] to 6500 yen [~$59 USD]. However, saying, "This has become a debate about creating a more dynamic range in pricing," session chairperson Sadahiko Kano, professor emeritus at Waseda University, postponed a conclusion to discussion.

In order to give the widest range of people possible the opportunity to see the Games in person the organizing committee is looking at options to offer discounted tickets for elementary school students and families as well as ticket plans for spectators in wheelchairs and their companions. At the same time, in order to maximize revenue from ticket sales they plan to target the wealthy with "high-grade tickets" including meal service along with admission.

The organizing committee plans to submit its pricing structure to the International Olympic Committee Board of Directors in July for approval and to launch ticket sales in the summer next year.

source article:
https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/201805150000544.html
translated by Brett Larner

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