Organisers launch investigation into empty Olympics seats row

London 2012 organisers have promised an investigation following TV images of half-empty stands across various Olympic venues.

Despite Sebastian Coe’s claims that Olympic venues war “‘stuffed to the gunwales” there have been noticeable gaps at many events.

Vacant seats have been seen at football stadiums, Wimbledon and the Aquatic Centre causing anger amongst many Britons who tried and failed to buy tickets to the Games.

On Sunday more empty seats were seen at the Aquatic Centre where Rebecca Adlington won her 400m free-style bronze as well as Greenwich Park where Zara Phillips made her debut in equestrian dressage.

Sponsors Proctor & Gamble, Visa, McDonald’s and Coca-Cola have all issued statements reassuring the public that their tickets have been and will be used by the winners of promotional contests, partners, customers and staff.

The London 2012 organising committee (LOCOG) put the majority of the empty seats down to ‘no shows’ from Olympic officials, athletes and members of the media.

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt, the minister in charge of the Olympics, told the BBC that LOCOG is conducting a full investigation into what had happened and expressed his disappointment at the number of empty seats.

Students, teachers and soldiers – a number of troops were seen in the accredited area enjoying the gymnastics on Sunday – have been left to fill the abandoned seats in the short term.

Lord Coe added that fans with tickets for the games could have them upgraded so that they can sit in the more expensive areas.

Ryan Fowler