Demand Highest for Volleyball and Football Tickets at Rio 2016 Olympics

03/25/2015 - 09h02

Team sports are most popular amongst the 350,000 people who have registered for the ticketing portal of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

According to figures from the organizing committee, demand has been highest for volleyball tickets, since registration began on January 15.

Whether in men's or women's volleyball, Brazil has been a regular on the podium since the Barcelona games in 1992.

Football is the second most in-demand sport. Games will be held in six cities, with matches scheduled for stadiums in Salvador, Belo Horizonte, Brasília, São Paulo and Manaus, as well as Rio.

Swimming and athletics, usually seen as the most popular in the Olympics, are in third and fourth place, respectively. Basketball - another team sport - is in fifth position.

The absence of gymnastics in the top five is curious, given that this is traditionally one of the most popular events with the public.

"The preference for team sports is related to local culture," said Donovan Ferreti, ticketing director at Rio 2016. "But I can guarantee that there is demand for every single sport."

From March 31, those interested will be able to choose their favorite events and participate in one of two lotteries, the results of which will be published in June and August. See the webpage for more information.

Translated by TOM GATEHOUSE

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