Mountain Biking Ticket Prices

pittcity

I bought £45 tickets for the Men's Mountain Biking at Hadleigh Farm yesterday. When I bought the A grade tickets as opposed to the £20 B grade I understood that I would get a better view and a grandstand seat for my money.
The tickets arrived saying "General Admission". I emailed the ticketing website asking what extra I would get for the extra £25 per ticket. The reply I got was a standard list of FAQs none of which answered my question.
On arrival at Hadleigh, I and many others asked officials what the more expensive tickets would get us. The answer was that there was no difference and that it was up to us to pick a spot, standing or sitting on grassy slopes. They advised us to complain and ask for a refund. I have sent an email but fully expect a list of FAQs as before in reply.
The race itself was very exciting and we had an excellent experience, just a bit miffed at the ticket rip off.
I have been informed that a lot of world class mountain bike events are free or with nominal ticket prices, so £45 is extortionate.
Anyone else feeling the same?:(

pittcity

Further to above. I have received auto reply from complaints stating that this was the wrong email to make a ticketing complaint and giving me a link, which leads to a non existent page. Will have to search more to find how to complain:mad:

Have now emailed complaint on this form http://tickets.london2012.custhelp.com/app/ask

Chrischris

Hi Pittcity,

Yes, we found exactly the same! Went to the women's mountain biking on the Saturday, expecting the A grade tickets would get us entry onto the grandstand so you have a good view of the start/ finish and awards ceremony at the end but we were told the grandstand was just for local people. They couldn't tell us what the A grade tickets gave us instead of the B grade tickets and said all tickets were equal. One volunteer said other people found the same and could only say to complain online.

We had a great time too but it is unfair of them to charge some people more for the same experience. We will complain too using your form. Let me know if you hear any more!

pittcity

Will do Chrischris.

ckspark

Hi
I purchased two £45 adult tickets and £14 and £10 childrens tickets for the mens race in the first ballot. On the entry gate we asked what we get for the extra £25 each we paid for the adult tickets. The reply was nothing as it was general entry.
During the event i got talking to one of the very helpful volunteer helpers, he said of all the people he had spoken to during the two days racing he was yet to meet a £20 ticket holder.:think:

Upon checking the original ticket guide it does state: "Price categories A and B are standing areas. There is a limited number of price category B tickets" A being £45 and B being £20.

I have also requested a refund for the price difference as in my opinion it was not clearly explained. I dont hold out much hope, we had a great time anyway and i would happily pay the same again.

What was a shame was Liam Kileen crashing out early on.

pittcity

Just received this email.
Personally I don't think that "All our literature regarding these events clearly advised this." as there were many internet forums and Olympic officials that didn't know this.

"Dear Caroline

Thank you for your enquiry regarding the pricing of tickets for Cycling - Mountain Bike at the Olympic Games.

Tickets for general admission/standing were sold at £45, with a limited number of £20 tickets also available in that category, based on our commitment to provide a number of £20 tickets in at least one session of every sport at the Olympic Games. The tickets priced at £20 sold out very quickly, and the remainder were priced at £45. All our literature regarding these events clearly advised this.

We are therefore unable to issue refunds to customers who paid £45.

We hope this information has been useful. Please get in touch if you have any further questions.

Best wishes,
Matthew on behalf of The London 2012 Ticketing Team."

shaggy

Try contacting bbc watchdog. I bet they will have a feature on thenolympics when they are back with a new series and would love to hear about any ticketing rip off stories

barbarawright

shaggy wrote: »

Try contacting bbc watchdog. I bet they will have a feature on thenolympics when they are back with a new series and would love to hear about any ticketing rip off stories

But what is the rip-off? There were £20 tickets for those quick off the mark and £45 tickets for those who weren't so lucky. I don't get where the scam is.

balletshoes

So from what you're saying OP, most people had £45 tickets, like you? Only a few had £20 tickets, and the Olympic official site has explained thats because they had to offer the £20 tickets for that session? I also don't really see where the scam is ie neither the £45 nor the £20 tickets got you grandstand seats.

shaggy

barbarawright wrote: »

But what is the rip-off? There were £20 tickets for those quick off the mark and £45 tickets for those who weren't so lucky. I don't get where the scam is.

Having thought about it,mod course you're right . I hang my head in shame :A

barbarawright

shaggy wrote: »

Having thought about it,mod course you're right . I hang my head in shame :A

I actually had much the same experience with the 10k swim. Didn't go for it at first then suddenly tickets were freed up quite late. Bought £60 ones :eek: (I'm an outdoor swimmer myself) but actually the seats were unallocated so I suspect the £40 ones were in the same block. I was pleased with what I got though as we were in a great position to see the screens and the podium and I guess it wasn't Locog's fault that the Brit came fourth :rotfl: