Massive demand for next summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow has led to delays on the official website as one million tickets were launched.

Massive demand for next summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow has led to delays on the official website as one million tickets were launched.

Initial demand is said to be "very high", which led to some delays for people trying to access the ticketing section of the official website.

A Glasgow 2014 spokesman said: "We are processing ticket applications as quickly as possible, and appreciate people's patience during this time and thank them for their phenomenal support.

"The website is up and running and thousands of people are already starting and submitting their applications. Due to the very high levels of demand, however, some people may have to queue.

"It makes no difference whether you apply on the first day, the last or any day in between, as long as your application is completed by 6pm on September 16."

For more information on tickets go to Herald Scotland's dedicated Commonwealth Games site

Users attempting to apply for tickets were told they could be waiting for up to 30 minutes and a statement on the website said: "We are currently experiencing high demand on the website. We are processing ticket applications as quickly as possible and appreciate your patience during this time."

Although there was an initial surge, people have four weeks to apply for a ringside seat at the competition which will see 71 nations perform across 17 sports.

Elite athletes from around the world will travel to Scotland for the 11-day event beginning on July 23.

Ticket prices start at £15 for adults, with discounts for under-16s and over-60s. Games chiefs have pledged that two-thirds of tickets will be £25 or less.

Olympic silver medallist swimmer Michael Jamieson marked the start of sales by plunging into the refurbished pool at the city's Tollcross International Swimming Centre where he hopes to claim Commonwealth gold next year.

The Glaswegian, who trained at the pool in his youth, said the difference between watching the Games on television and experiencing it as part of the spectator crowd will be "second to none".

"There is nothing to beat live sport," he said.

The four-week ticketing phase opened at 10am today and closes at 6pm on September 16.

Ticket applications can be made at glasgow2014.com/tickets or via postal applications forms distributed nationwide.

Ty Speer, Glasgow 2014 deputy chief executive, said: "We are extending an invitation to everybody right across the UK and the Commonwealth to come join us next summer.

"The website is open, it's very busy today as we would have expected, but you can go online any time over the next four weeks.

"Pick up one of our ticketing brochures, think about what you want to do, talk to friends, talk to family, make a plan for next summer and get your application in before September 16.

"We hope everybody will sign up for tickets, put their application in and join us for some great sport."

Jamieson, who took silver in the 200m breaststroke at London 2012, said: "It's a huge day today - to have so many people already online this morning registering their interest, I think is a great sign.

"It makes a huge difference - to have a packed venue full of support, with everyone urging you home in the race, that can be the difference between turning finalists into medallists and bronze and silvers into gold.

"So I would urge everyone at home to get online and snap up the tickets."

The swimmer said of his return to Tollcross: "It's the first time I've been in the venue since the refurbishment was completed and it looks fantastic.

"It's a world-class venue now and worthy of hosting an event as big as the Commonwealth Games.

"I'm in a privileged position, to have competed at a home Olympics last year and a home Commonwealth Games next year. It doesn't get much better than that.

"I'm really looking to deliver the results we're looking for next summer."

Glasgow will welcome 4,500 athletes next summer and many more thousands of spectators.

A new Commonwealth Games section has been launched on VisitScotland.com, providing information about the city, the event and travel elsewhere in Scotland.

Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson said: "The key thing for us is to make sure that ticket prices are accessible and the way you apply is straightforward.

"It couldn't be easier - you've got a month to get online and book tickets at very affordable prices.

"You've got the chance to see the world's top athletes perform at world-class venues here in Glasgow."

Scotland's Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "This is the biggest milestone yet in the countdown to the Games.

"People have the chance to apply for tickets and stake their claim to be part of what I hope and expect will be the best Commonwealth Games ever.

"We want as many people as possible to play their part in Glasgow 2014."