Olympic Games - Ticketing chaos: arbitrarily cancelled tickets back soon?

Published by Julie de Sortiraparis · Published on July 1, 2024 at 02:36 p.m.
[UPDATE: the O.G. communications department clarifies that adjustments are underway]. Ticket holders for the opening and closing ceremonies for the Paris 2024 Olympics were horribly surprised to discover this Friday, June 28, that their tickets had been cancelled or sold.

An Olympic dream shattered. For millions of fans around the world, attending the Olympic Games is a dream come true. The Opening Ceremony, in particular, is a spectacular event that marks the start of the festivities and brings together athletes from all nations. But for some spectators, this dream quickly turned into a nightmare.

The Incomprehensible Cancellation of Tickets

It all began when a Parisian user logged on to his mobile app on Thursday June 28, and was stunned to discover that his 2 Category A tickets for the opening ceremony had been declared "sold/cancelled"!

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He quickly looked at his other tickets and discovered that the same was true... for the closing ceremony! 4 precious seats gone, with no further explanation. Are these ticket "thefts" linked to the new resale platform set up in May 2024?

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Pascal told Sortir à Paris: "I had bought my tickets months ago, and everything seemed to be in order. Then, suddenly, I saw my tickets not only cancelled, but with no notification of a refund! Given the amounts involved, I'm shocked: how could this happen? I had everything planned around this event!" he exclaimed.

Inexplicable technological inconsistencies

As if that wasn't enough, the same user discovered some disturbing inconsistencies when checking his tickets via different platforms. On the official Olympic Games mobile app, his boxing tickets were still available.

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However, on accessing the official website, these same tickets seemed to have disappeared: the site announced zero purchases, even though his account had been debited and Pascal had received a confirmation e-mail!

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"When I saw that my tickets for the opening ceremony had been cancelled, I thought I'd at least be able to attend the boxing matches. But when I tried to check the website, there was nothing. How could such an inconsistency happen?" he declared.

Apparently, other Internet users are also affected:

Impact on Spectators

For spectators who have saved up and planned for this event, these ticketing problems are more than just an inconvenience - they're a catastrophe. The Opening Ceremony is often one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the Olympic Games, and to be deprived of this experience can be devastating.

Advice for Concerned Spectators

For those who find themselves in a similar situation, here are a few steps to follow:

  1. Contact Customer Service: Use the official channels to report your problem. Provide as much detail as possible, including screenshots and ticket confirmations.
  2. Watch for Updates: Continue to check the mobile app and website regularly for any updates regarding your tickets.
  3. Share your Experience: Join online forums and groups to share your experience.

The Olympic Games are supposed to be a time of joy, celebration and global unity. However, these lost tickets and inconsistencies may cast a shadow over the event, just days before the competition.

In the meantime, the hope remains that these problems will be resolved, allowing everyone to enjoy this extraordinary sporting spectacle to the full. The Olympic Games continue, with the hope that every spectator will finally be able to enjoy the unforgettable experience they have been waiting for.

UPDATE: contacted by us, Mélodie from the Olympic Games communications department clarifies this Monday, July 1, 2024 to Sortir à Paris:

"Contrary to what is momentarily indicated on the Paris 2024 Tickets app, tickets for the ceremonies are not cancelled.

Paris 2024's ticketing department is currently working on setting ticket parameters, in particular to specify spectator placement information.

Tickets will be available again shortly on the Paris 2024 Tickets app. Once the tickets are accessible, everyone will be able to choose to keep them, transfer them, or resell them via the official resale platform, as with all other tickets."

This Tuesday, July 2, 2024, Pascal's Closing Ceremony tickets returned to their place in the Paris 2024 Tickets app.

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Participants are reassured!

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