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Beijing 2008: Beijing launches revised Olympic ticketing system

A revised ticketing system for the Beijing Olympic got under way yesterday, this time using a lottery scheme after a computer program overloaded and crashed six weeks ago trying to sell tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.

The lottery system was also used to distribute about 1.5 million tickets during the first phase of ticket sales in April.

Applicants have until Dec. 30 to enter the lottery, which can be done over the Internet or in person at Bank of China offices.

Lines were modest yesterday at Bank of China offices, which are being used mainly by people who lack access to the Internet.

"I came here very early and that demonstrates my eagerness," said Beijing resident Song Wei, 60. "I know I can come later because it is a lottery policy, but I hope I can get some tickets successfully this time. I have failed to get any tickets the past two times."

More than 7 million tickets will be sold for the Beijing Olympics. Overall, the Beijing Games will generate about 9 million tickets, but a large chunk is set aside for the International Olympic Committee, sponsors, dignitaries and TV broadcasters -- cutting the total available to the public.

The online ticketing glitch and worries about Beijing's air pollution have become two of the major concerns in Olympic preparations, which have gone smoothly with all but one venue set to be completed by the end of the year.

"The Beijing organizing committee has drawn lessons from the system crash last time," said Xu Chen, general manager of Olympic Affairs for the Bank of China. "Organizers adjusted the sales policy after the accident."

The head of ticketing was sacked over the ticketing mix up.

The high demand is reportedly creating a black market with tickets being offered for sale on the Internet at several times face value. Zhu Yan, the new director of ticketing for the Olympics, said recently that tickets could be transferred, but not at a profit.

Tickets for the Beijing Olympics can be tracked to the original buyer, but this does not seem to be a deterrent. International Olympic Committee officials have said it's up to local organizers to see that tickets are not resold at a profit, which has also been a problem at recent Olympics.

Under the initial lottery system, people could apply for up to 50 tickets. They will be limited to eight this time.

■ 2016 SUMMER GAMES Prominent black activist Al Sharpton threatened to lobby the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to reject Chicago's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics if city officials fail to address what he called pervasive police brutality and misconduct.

"Chicago does not symbolize a place that can hold an international event when it can't deal with its local problems," Sharpton told the press on Sunday. "They can't say to the world, `Come to Chicago. We are an example; we are a beacon of light,' when you've got systematic abuse [by police]."

Chicago 2016 spokesman Patrick Sandusky declined to address Sharpton's comments.

"Historically, the Olympic Games have had great benefits for cities that have hosted them," Sandusky said. "If Chicago were awarded the Games, we think it would be a fantastic asset for the city."
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