2014 Commonwealth Games tickets go on sale
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}An aerostat displays text welcoming guests to Glasgow for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on October 14, 2010. Up to one million tickets for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games went on sale with under 16s given half-price concessions for the first time. (AFP/File)
Up to a million tickets for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games went on sale on Monday, with high demand causing website delays.
After overwhelming demand for London 2012 Olympics tickets, the Games site www.glasgow2014.com was warning of one hour booking delays an hour after the tickets went on sale at 10am.
The games will host 4,500 athletes from 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth next summer.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt could be among those taking part after hinting he might run one race, although this has not been confirmed.
Tickets for the 17 sporting events are on sale for four weeks until September 16.
Organisers say that rather than a first come, first served system, everyone who applies before that date will have an equal chance of receiving tickets for events.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Adult ticket prices start at ??15 and two-thirds of them cost less than ??25.
Organisers say at least 70 percent of the tickets will be available for public purchase after controversy at the Olympics over empty seats unused by sponsors which had to be filled by soldiers.
"Glasgow 2014 in every sense is a Games for everyone and a fantastic opportunity to experience world-class sport up close in one of the world's great sporting cities," Games chairman Lord Smith of Kelvin said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"We look forward to welcoming elite athletes from across the Commonwealth and the best welcome we can give them are stadia packed with supporters cheering them on."
Applications for tickets can be made online at www.glasgow2014.com/tickets or by post.