Unsold Tickets Abound
Evidence is mounting that there may be more than a few empty seats at next month’s Winter Games.
A quote from Sochi organizers last week placed the tickets sold figure at around 70 percent. That leaves about 300,000 tickets unaccounted for.
By comparison, both London in 2012 and Vancouver in 2010 sold about 97% of their tickets.
However, according to Sochi 2014 chief Dmitry Chernyshenko, a plan is in place.
"We are keeping a special quota for those who comes for the Games," said Chernyshenko, "so that they can indeed buy tickets for the competitions."
He also said that about 213,000 spectators are expected for the Games. About 75% of them will be Russian.
Some feel spectators are concerned about the presumed security risks involved in traveling around Sochi. Also, the costs of reaching Sochi could be somewhat prohibitive.
"From my country, I know that several people and companies are not going for these two reasons," said IOC member Gerhard Heiberg of Norway.
McDonald’s Social Media
McDonald’s announced the launch of its social media campaign for the upcoming Olympics on Tuesday.
Using the hashtag #CheersToSochi, fans will be able to send well wishes to athletes and teams competing in the Winter Games. Competitors can see the messages at a display in the Sochi athletes village, where they can also print them onto ribbons to wear on their wrists. Some athletes will tweet appreciation back to their fans as well.
"This Olympic experience gives fans the ability to make personal connections with athletes in Sochi in a way they’ve never had before," said Steve Easterbrook, an executive with the fast food giant which has been an Olympic partner for 38 years.
U.S. hockey player Patrick Kane, Canadian hockey player Drew Doughty, and U.S. speed skater Shani Davis are among the athletes supporting the campaign.
Sochi May Have Mild Weather
Despite assurances from Sochi organizers, the weather in Sochi may be milder than expected.
According to forecasts the temperature in Sochi could reach 9 degrees Celsius for the Opening Ceremonies and highs of 18 degrees during the Olympics.
The Russian Ministry of Emergency Services says melting of snow from warm weather could lead to mudslides and floods.
Organizers say the heat spike will not affect the alpine events due to one-meter high accumulations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has also given his assurances that cold, night temperatures will preserve snow in the mountains.
Russian Militant Killed
Russian Authorities have killed a senior Islamic militant in the Russian region of Daegestan.
Eldar Magatov was said to have led an insurgent group in the Babyurt district of the region.
Magatov was the suspect for multiple attacks on Russian targets. His death was confirmed by the Russian National Anti-Terror Committee on Tuesday.
The Daegestan region has become a hotbed for Russian Islamic Militants, and a suspected suicide bomber from the region is wanted in Sochi hails from the region.
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