Olympic ‘rehearsals’ tickets to go on sale

A £40m programme of key test events will be vital to “challenge” and try out new venues, equipment and staff in time for the Games, London 2012 chief executive Paul Deighton said yesterday.

The year-long schedule starting this month covers 42 events – many set to feature 2012 medal hopefuls – at 26 venues. It is designed to create the kind of issues that could happen during the Games.

Up to 250,000 spectators across all the events will be able to watch what London 2012 is billing as the “world’s largest rehearsal” during the testing series, called London Prepares.

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A total of 150,000 tickets will go on sale to the public, costing from £5 to £35.

A Visa card will be needed to book the tickets which will be available via Ticketmaster from May 26.

Mr Deighton said organisers are trying to be “creative and pragmatic” about the programme because it will not be a mini-Olympics but a chance to put Games staff, volunteers and organisers through their paces.

He said: “Although our venues won’t be dressed in their Games finery, a number of events will give the public a chance to see some world-class sporting action ahead of next year.

“These events are our opportunity to try out our new venues, test new technology and equipment and walk our extended teams through their roles and responsibilities.”

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