Opening ceremony costs $50 million

[headabovewater]

What do people think about this spending, plus all the other costs of bulding and preparation must be astronomical. Melbourne are still despirately trying to sell 10,000 tickets to this ceremony, it's far too expensive for enough people to want to go starting at $420 and going up to $590. In British money that's about ₤180 to ₤250. Is this money well spent? Are people happy for Britain to spend so lavishly in 2012 on the Olympics?

[Martin-Y]

£21m seems an obscene amount of money, thats 2 basic swimming pools or 1 very nice leisure centre. Then look at the cost of seeing the events, travel from afar, and the inflated prices in Melbourne currently (hostels rising from $25 to $45) and its seems to be not come and see the games but come lets rip you off. So maybe the stadiums will remain half empty.

[Martin-Y]

As regards the 2012 is the average brit going to be able to afford to see any of the events.
I reached out for my alarm clock this morning and tweaked my neck and its painfull so excuse me for being grumpy today.

[chris_lamb]

As regards the 2012 is the average brit going to be able to afford to see any of the events.

Yes. Apart from the obvious free events many tickets will be at affordable prices. This is included in the bid so must happen.

[Bazza]

Well considering tickets for the swimming in Manchester cost £90 for one finals session, I dread to think what the Olympics will cost. I better start saving now.