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London 2012 Olympics - How to Apply For Tickets

only use official ticket suppliers, you have been warned

From Tues 15 Mar until 11:59pm on 26 April 2011 the applications for over seven million Olympic 2012 tickets are open. If you’re planning to apply there’s a few things you should be aware of to avoid problems: 

Where to apply

In the UK the only way to buy tickets is through the official London 2012 site, via a paper application from any Lloyds TSB branch (or public library in Northern Ireland) or via one of the official hospitality providers (Thomas Cook, Prestige Ticketing Ltd and Jet Set Sports).

Tickets from anywhere else are not authorised and are likely to be fake so don’t shop there!

It’s expected scam websites will be set up to try and part you with your cash but if at all unsure use the London 2012 url checker to see if someone is a genuine ticket seller and report it to London 2012 if you think it's a fake.

Plus see the 25 Ways to Stop Scams for more scam beating tips.

The process is different if you’re buying from outside the UK, but you must go via your National Olympic Committee, or their authorised retailer (see Ticket Eligibility for more info).

When to apply

There is no advantage to submitting your application on the first or the last day, they are not allocated on a first come first served basis, so plan your application carefully.

It's expected the site will be busy in the first few days so don't be afraid to come back later rather than look for alternative sites that may not be genuine.

See the full schedule of events and prices before applying.

What do they cost

Ticket prices start at £20 and go up to several £100s for the main events and £2,000 for the opening ceremony.

There are also some special prices available for young people (those aged 16 and under, on 27 July 2012, will pay their age for a ticket) and seniors (those aged 60 and over, on 27 July 2012, will pay £16).

If you can’t afford tickets, there are some free events such as the marathon, race walk and road cycling.

What happens next

All your applications will be put into a ballot if the event is oversubscribed and chosen at random. This could mean you get all of the tickets you’ve applied for, in which case you need to pay for them all, or none.

How to pay

When it’s been decided which tickets you’ve been allocated payment will be taken between Tuesday 10 May 2011 and Friday 10 June 2011, so when you apply online ensure your payment card is valid beyond that date.

The only ways to pay are:

Online - Via a Visa card (debit, credit, prepaid or virtual cards - where you don’t actually receive a physical plastic card but you're provided with the details to be able to shop online), as Visa's a sponser of the games.

Paper applications - via cheques or postal orders made payable to London 2012.

What if you can’t afford all the tickets

Don’t apply for too many tickets as you may be given them all and payment taken in one swoop. The only way to get rid of tickets afterwards is via London 2012, it’s illegal to sell them in any other way.

The resale process won’t open until the end of 2011 so you could be stuck with them for a while.

Leisure Days Out For March

Check out these great leisure days out we found for you! All these leisure attractions are looking for your custom and are offering some fantastic savings in March 2011.

Highlight Comedy £6 ticketsOnline code

Get £6 comedy tickets (inc. the £1 booking fee) to Highlight Comedy Clubs throughout March, worth c. £15 (varies per venue/show).
How do I get it?
Enter code LAUGH511 online at The Highlight in the 'offer code' box. You can also get the offer by quoting the code over the phone (call 0844 844 0044 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              0844 844 0044      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, £1.50 booking fee applies).
It's valid at all 10 Highlight Comedy Clubs nationwide. The code'll give you £5 tickets, plus you'll have to pay £1 per ticket booking fee. The discount won't show up until you click 'next step' after selecting how many tickets you want.
The deal: £6 comedy tickets. Valid: Throughout March. How: Book online / by phone on 0844 844 0044 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              0844 844 0044      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Expires: Thurs 31 Mar. Excludes: N/A. Offer from: The Highlight. Restrictions: Subject to availability, over 18s only, must be booked in advance and max. party size 12 people.

Chill Factore 2for1sManchester's snow centre
Manchester's indoor snow centre Chill Factore has three 2for1 offers to use in March. One person must pay full price to get the offer, the cheapest will be free.
How do I get it?
On the Chill Factore website, select one of the three activities below. Add two or more guests/members and when you want to go, then the following discount codes at checkout:

• Three hour lift pass (adults £29 - £34) - use code MSE3LP
• Snow fun activities (tube or luge, adults £14 - £16) - use code MSELT
• Ski lessons (taster lesson, adults £27 - £30) - MSETASTER

The deal: 2for1. Valid: On the day. How: Book online, quoting promo codes above. Expires: Thurs 31 March. Excludes: Other offers & membership discounts. Offer from: Chill Factore. Restrictions: Select activities above only.

Free Homebuilding & Renovation Show tix
There are still 3,500+ tickets worth £10 each are up for grabs to The National Homebuilding & Renovation Show at the Birmingham NEC arena, valid between Thurs 24 - Sun 27 March.
How do I get it?
Fill out this Homebuilding & Renovation Show free tickets form (you can only get the offer through this link). You can get up to two free tickets per form, which you'll be able to print off once you've completed it.
One free ticket can be used and re-used every day between 24 - 27 March. The show is open 10am - 5pm and under 16s go free.
What is The National Homebuilding & Renovation Show?
It's all about advice, ideas, inspiration and innovations from some of the country’s leading experts on making a dream home. For full details see its homepage.
The deal: Free tickets. How: Book online. Expires: 27 March or when all free tickets are gone. Excludes: N/A. Restrictions: You can only register once. Tickets are for the Birmingham show only.

A Place in the Sun Live free tickets
Get free A Place in the Sun Live tickets at London Earl's Court between Fri 11 - Sun 13 Mar. Tickets are usually £10.
How do I get it?
Complete this very simple a Place in the Sun free tickets form (you can only get the offer through this link) and at the end just print it off. You'll also be sent an email with a link to the printable e-ticket. You may reprint a ticket for each show.
There an unlimited number of free tickets, but you must use a different name on each one. The show's on from 10am - 6pm Fri 11 Mar, and 10am - 5pm on 12 & 13 Mar.
What is it about?
It's on overseas property exhibition with TV presenters Amanda Lamb, Jasmine Harman and Jonnie Irwin plus experts from across the industry giving tips and advice. See its homepage for more details (don't book from there - it won't be free!).
The deal: Free tickets. How: Book online. Expires: Sun 13 Mar. Excludes: N/A. Restrictions: Each ticket must have a different name on.

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