On the Scene in Sochi - Tough Questions for Two Dmitrys; Ticket Prices Unveiled

(ATR) Olympic budgets, traffic concerns, construction projects, warm temperatures, lack of snow, ticket sales and the legacy the Games will leave were among the tough topics tackled by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak and Sochi 2014 President Dmitry Chernyhenko at their year-to-go press conference Thursday.

The two Russian Olympic leaders addressed members of the Russian and international media at the Bolshoi Ice Palace seven hours prior to the evening’s official celebration, whereIOC President Jacques Rogge will present invitations to a selection of National Olympic Committees, symbolically marking the sending of invitations to the NOCs of the world.

"I feel myself very excited being in the final stages of preparation which is a once in a lifetime for my generations," Chernyshenko said about reaching the milestone.

"I feel we’ll deliver the most innovative Games celebrating the spirit of the new modern Russia towards sustainable quality changes that you can witness here," he added about the ever-changing Black Sea resort, which was awarded the 22nd Winter Olympic Games by the IOC in July 2007.

"It is my first time in the beautiful condition of the masterpiece state of the art venue – the Bolshoi Hockey Palace and tonight there will be a big performance and I hope that everyone will enjoy the official invitation to the world by the President of the IOC."

Chernyshenko said he expects a record number of nations to attend the Games, which will open next February at the adjacent "Fisht" Olympic Stadium, expected to be completed in August.

Members of the Russian media confronted Kozak with many difficult questions, including the ongoing traffic problems in Sochi, particularly between the city center and the Olympic Park in Adler and the nearby airport.

"Those of you who visited Sochi two to three years ago saw that traffic jams were actually much worse," he said. "Of course, most of this now is due to the construction work and numerous trucks on the road, and I think that when we are done with the construction the traffic problems will be solved."

Regarding recent estimates of the Olympics budget at $51 billion, which would make Sochi the most expensive Games in history, Kozak said firmly: "I want to stress one more time that these are not the most expensive Games in the world. A lot of changes are done not due to the Olympics but to the state developing this region as a resort.

"Expenditures for the Olympic Games, for construction of the Olympic venues, the infrastructure and service facilities is about 200 billion rubles ($6.7 billion) – half is budgeted expenses and half is from private investments. We are very proud that we have commanded these private investments. The volume of these private investments should be our pride."

Of the 242 hotels with 41,000 rooms that are expected to be ready for the Games, Kozak said "We didn’t spend a ruble on these. This was funded by companies developing this system."

Chernyshenko fielded some difficult questions as well. Regarding the unseasonably mild temperatures in Sochi and lack of significant snowfall in the adjacent Caucasus mountains, causing cancellation of slopestyle events at next week’s snowboard and freestyle World Cup test, the Sochi 2014 CEO said: "Based upon weather conditions, the decision was made by the FIS. Of 10 disciplines, eight will still take place. Today, delegates from the FIS decided the quality of snow is appropriate for the other events. Athletes are arriving today and will begin training tomorrow."

Chernyshenko also spoke about Sochi 2014’s "Hot Snow" program by which snow can be made with weather conditions up to 15 degrees Celsius. Also, he said, organizers are implementing a system in which snow can be stored from previous seasons, something that has recently been implemented during test events.

"We will face these challenges with the best measures and snow will be guaranteed in 2014," said Chernyshenko.

He also reminded the media that ticket sales go on offer on the dedicated Sochi 2014 website beginning today.

"The tickets will be quite affordable," advised Chernyshenko. "The assessment of the prices was actually done according to the current market in Russia, and this was approved by the IOC. It will be affordable for the common people and of course we want as many spectators as possible.

"It will be cheaper than prices that we experienced in Vancouver," he added.

Sure enough, thelowest-priced tickets to mountain events will cost about $17 and about $33 for events in the coastal cluster. More than 40 percent of all tickets will cost under $99, more than half under $165 and more than 85 percent under $297. All seven sports feature tickets for less than $50, and the ceremonies start at $149 with an "A" seat at the opening ceremony running $1,651, the most expensive of the Games.

Following today's launch of sales for the Russian market, tickets go on offer Monday inAustralia, Bulgaria, Canada, Great Britain, Norway, Sweden and the U.S. via authorized ticket reseller CoSport on a first-come, first-served basis

Written and reported in Sochi by Brian Pinelli.

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