Snagging tickets to popular events might be a daunting task, but the Web may make it easier. ("http://www.saltlake2002.com")Saltlake2002.com, the Salt Lake Organizing Committee (SLOC) Web site, is offering tickets online through the first Internet-based Olympic ticket auction.
The auction, facilitated by eBay, is designed to offer premium seats to the most sought-after Olympic events, such as figure skating and the opening ceremony.
"SLOC reached out to eBay knowing the market place reaches a large number of consumers," eBay spokesperson Jennifer Chu said. "In the past, these highly sought after tickets were only available to only a select few."
This year, tickets that would normally sell out quickly, will go to the highest bidder on eBay. New tickets are released each week to various events including bobsleigh, ski jumping, ice hockey, snowboarding, and speed skating.
Since the auction began on May 21st, about 85 percent of the 1.3 million tickets have been sold through the Web, rather than through traditional (" http://www.tickets.com/olympics/smithtix...")ticket offices .
The cost of premium tickets does not come cheap. 37 people bid on a pair of tickets to see the men's free skating program. The winning bid was a whopping $11,100.
However, all proceeds generated by the ticket sales above face value will be donated to the VIII Paralympic Games.
"We're very pleased to offer additional premier tickets on eBay," Mitt Romney, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games said. "I urge everyone to get online and bid on tickets to their favorite event and support the Paralympics while doing so."
To bid on the tickets, users must go through the free eBay online registration.
For those who don't want to take a gamble on the auction, a limited number of single event tickets will be for sale on the Saltlake2002.com site for a set price.
If you find yourself in Utah in February with tickets, but nowhere to stay, don't find yourself out in the cold. Saltlake2002.com also lists available hotel rooms at places such as the Marriott or Holiday Inn.
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