Brazilians rush for Olympic tickets

The Rio Games, the first Olympics to be staged in South America

Rio de Janerio, April 2 (IANS) Brazilians applied for 750,000 tickets in the first 24 hours of sales for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, a media report said on Thursday. The opening ceremony at the Maracana stadium was the most sought-after event, followed by the men's volleyball final, men's football final, women's volleyball final and men's basketball final, according to a statement on the Rio 2016 website, Xinhua reported.

Figures showing how many applications had been made for each event were not given.

"After just one day, the number of applications is the equivalent of 10 percent of the total number of tickets available. This shows that Brazilians understand that now is the best chance to get tickets," said Rio 2016 ticketing director Donovan Ferreti.

Local fans have until April 30 to request tickets in the first draw, with results to be announced in June. Only those who apply during the first installment will be eligible for the second draw in July.

Non-Brazilian residents are able to see a list of authorised ticket resellers (ATR) in their region, each of whom will have their own sales process.

About 7.5 million tickets for the Rio Olympics will be put on sale, with more that half costing 70 reals (about 22 US dollars) or less. The Rio Games, the first Olympics to be staged in South America, will be held from August 5 to 21, 2016.