Free admission for a lucky few to all test events except one
Sports fans will get an early – and free – taste of the Olympic Games’ homecoming to Greece, as 2004 organizers announced yesterday that spectators will be allowed to watch six out of seven test events next month at no cost. A limited number of free passes will be available, starting Monday for the rowing event, August 6-9, while passes will be issued later for the other four competitions: archery (August 9-15), canoe-kayak flatwater racing (August 15-17), equestrian event (August 15-17) and beach volleyball (August 19-24). Only the sailing test event will not have an audience. Organizers said just 250 to 500 seats will be available for each competition. Passes will be issued at Athens 2004 headquarters, in Athens’s Nea Ionia suburb. No passes will be needed for the cycling event on the streets of central Athens and along the city’s coastline, organizers said. Organizers advised spectators to allow ample time to get to the venues because of road closures and parking bans that will be enforced at some locations. (AP)
