The first phase of sales ended June 30, with 4.9 million requests for 2.7 million seats. The remaining tickets go on sale in October. A total of about 7 million are being offered.

Prices range $5 for events such as basketball and water polo to $773 for the opening ceremony.

Official ticketing site: www.tickets.beijing2008.cn

In the U.S., Cosport (www.cosport.com, 877-457-4647) is the official ticket agent for individual tickets. It and other tour companies also offer travel packages that include Olympic tickets.

Tip: Before you buy individual tickets, be sure you have hotel reservations.

NO TICKETS?

Public viewing sites with giant video screens will be set up around the city, say officials. Details have yet to be announced.

VISAS

Yes, they are required but are generally easy to get. Info: www.china-embassy.org/eng/.

INFORMATION

www.beijing2008.com

SPORTS CITIES

Competitions will be held in 36 venues -- most in Beijing, with others in these Chinese cities:

• Hong Kong: Equestrian events

• Shanghai: Soccer preliminaries

• Tianjin (China's third largest city, just south of Beijing): Soccer preliminaries

• Shenyang, Liaoning Province (northern China): Soccer preliminaries

• Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province (northern China): Soccer preliminaries

• Qingdao, Shandong Province (south of Beijing): Sailing

-- JANE WOOLDRIDGE