A BALLOT will have to be used to allocate tickets to some sports at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth games after huge demand from the public saw supply promptlyoutstrip demand after the application processed opened.
Organisers say they are delighted with the number of people applying for tickets as the process reaches the halfway stage, but have announced a draw will now have to be used to decide who secures briefs for certain sports.
The Games begin next July with 4500 athletes from the 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth competing for gold and glory in Scotland's largest city.
More than one million tickets are available, but a guide published today reveals some sports have already been oversubscribed and a "fair draw" will have to take place to allocate tickets.
So far, events where tickets will be decided by ballot are track and mountain bike cycling, diving and swimming, artistic gymnastics, shooting and the triathlon.
These events are popular with the public and seats are limited due to the size of venues, although each holds thousands of people.
Track cycling is one of the blue-riband events at the Games and has become hugely popular thanks to the success of Scot Sir Chris Hoy and the UK cycling team at the Olympics.
Although Sir Chris will not be competing at the Games following his retirement from competitive cycling, events taking place in the velodrome that bears his name have become a big draw.
The Chris Hoy Velodrome will hold 4000 people for the duration of the Games during events that run from Thursday, July 24, until Sunday, July 27.
Diving has also gained a high profile thanks to the success of teenager Tom Daley, and heats will be held in the 2500-seat Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh, while swimming events take place in the 5000- capacity Tollcross International Swimming Centre.
Artistic gymnastics take place in the yet-to-be completed Hydro arena, with shooting events held in the 3500-seat Barry Buddon Shooting Centre in Carnoustie due to firearms laws.
Mountain Cycling is being staged at the Cathkin Braes near Glasgow, while the triathalon takes place at Strathclyde Park.
Gordon Arthur, Glasgow 2014's chief communications officer, said initial problems with the ticket application website, which resulted in it crashing on the first day as demand soared, had been fixed and the system was coping well with the thousands of people going online to complete the application form.
He added: "As we near the halfway point, we are really delighted by the volume of applications for tickets already received and the high demand we are seeing across the sports programme.
"Glasgow 2014's Ticketing website has been functioning well and processing requests as quickly as possible, keeping waiting at peak times to a minimum. .
"The guide we have issued today is designed to help ticket applicants make choices that maximise their chances of being able to experience the Games. Of course, everyone can still apply for any tickets they want but we are keen to let people know where the best chances of success currently lie.
"We will also provide further updates during the coming fortnight."
The four-week ticketing phase is open until September 16, with two-thirds of tickets priced at £25 or less.
Ticket applications can be made on glasgow2014.com/tickets or via postal applications forms distributed nationwide with the Official Ticketing Guide.
It makes no difference whether fans apply on the first day, last day or in between as everyone has the same opportunity to apply for the tickets they want.
Tickets for all sports start from just £15 for adults, while half-price concessions are available for under-16s and over-60s.
The price also includes access to public transport in the local area on the day of an event. At least 70% of all tickets to all sporting events are available to the public.
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