1996 Atlanta Olympic Games
Frequently Asked Questions
Version 2.6
December 20, 1995
This is the Unoffical Frequently Asked Questions List for the 1996 Centennial
Olymics in Atlanta, GA being held July 19 through August 4, 1996. I am in no
way shape or form associated with the 1996 Olymipic Games, the Atlanta
Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG), or any other Olympic Committee or
organization. I also make no pretense at representing any official Olympic
Committee or organization.
Since frequenting the Usenet group atl.olymics I have seen the same series of
questions pop up on a semi-regular basis. I am attempting to take what
information is publicly available in the Atlanta newspapers, television,
radio, and, of course, the aforementioned newsgroup. Like most FAQ's, this
is a living document. Please post or e-mail me any suggestions for inclusion
into this document. Please include any sources for authentication. This FAQ
is being posted to atl.olympics (its home group), news.answers, and
rec.sport.olympics. Let me know of any other suitable groups for posting.
I will post it every two weeks.
Eric L. Logsdon
eric@logsdon.org
Change log:
Version Date Comments
1.0 9/18/94 Initial release
1.1 10/4/94 Added posting frequency, added new crossposting groups,
included the dates of the actual games (oops) into
the prologue.
1.2 12/12/94 Added Internet Advantage to section 3.1
1.3 1/18/95 Added information on ticket distribution to section 2.2 and
some errata in section 2.3 on ways to get tickets.
2.0 2/11/95 Added a section on other 'net Olympic Resources.
2.1 3/21/95 Added more 'net resources.
Added information on Olymphilex and Paralympics
Miscellaneous housing information added
Updated venues
2.2 4/3/95 Fixed a few minor typos and minor ommissions.
(Thanks to Russell Shulz for pointing them out...)
2.3 4/19/95 Added the Official Olympic Web site to section 6.
2.4 7/30/95 Miscelaneous updates all over.
2.5 9/10/95 Corrected phone number for Ranstadt Olympic Employment
Corrected dates for Cultural Olymiad
Added more web sites
2.6 12/20/95 Added new Web sites into section 6.1
Updated info in ticket section
This FAQ is divided into six sections:
1. Events and Venues
2. Tickets
3. Making money (This IS the United States)
4. Related Events
5. Miscellaneous
6. 'net Olympic Resources
Section 1 pertains to actual events during the Olympic Games and includes
both sporting and non-sporting events and locations.
Section 2 contains the published list of ticket prices, how to get them and
any other related information.
Section 3 includes any information on how to (legally and ethically) make
money from the Olympics, including numbers for employement.
Section 4 lists events (official and unoffical) that may be taking place
leasing up to the Games
Section 5 is other stuff that doesn't fit anywhere else such as volunteering,
road closings (for the local folk), and any other errata I can dig up.
Section 1 - Events and Venues
Event Location
Opening Ceremony Olympic Stadium
Closing Cermony Olympic Stadium
Track and Field Olympic Stadium
Basketball Georgia Dome, Morehouse College
Boxing Alexander Memorial Collesium (Georgia Tech)
Diving Georgia Tech
Gymnastics Georgia Dome
Swimming Georgia Tech
Synchronized Swimming Georgia Tech
Tennis Stone Mountain Park
Volley Ball University of Georgia, Omni
Beach Volleyball Jonesboro
Baseball Atlanta Fulton County Stadium
Cycling (track) Stone Mountain Park
Cycling (road) Buckhead area
Equestrian Georgia International Horse Park (Rockdale County)
Soccer Birmingham, AL; Miami, FL; Orlando, FL;
Washington, DC; Athens, GA (Finals)
Archery Stone Mountain
Badminton Georgia State University
Canoeing (sprint) Lake Lanier
Canoeing (slalom) Ocoee River
Mountain Cycling Georgia International Horse Park
Fencing World Congress Center
Handball World Congress Center
Field Hockey Atlanta University Center
Modern Pentathalon Wolf Creek Shooting Complex, World Congress Center,
Georgia Tech, Georgia International Horse Park
Rowing Lake Lanier
Softball Columbus, GA
Table Tennis World Congress Center
Judo World Congress Center
Shooting Wolf Creek
Water Polo Georgia Tech
Weightlifting World Congress Center
Wrestling World Congress Center
Yachting Savanah, GA
Section 2 - Tickets
2.1 How much are tickets?
The following chart gives price ranges for the varing Olympic events.
The prices are listed by round, where applicable. All figures are
U.S. dollars.
Event Preliminary Intermediate Finals
Opening Ceremonies 212;424;636
Closing Ceremonies 212;424;636
Track Field 22;32;53 48;64;80
80;133;265 (Aug 3).
Men's Basketball 11;27 27;38 qtr finals 133;265
91;133 semi finals
Women's Basketball 11;27 27;38 qtr finals 91;133
59;80 semi finals
Boxing 27;48 69 qtr finals 186
101 semi finals
Diving 22;32;48 43;64;80 64;101;159
Gymnastics
Artisitic 27;38;80 80;106;212
Exhibition 106;133;265
Rythmic 25;32 30;43 35;53
Podium Training 11;22
Swimming 27;53;80 101'159
Tennis 27;37;48 42;53;63 qtr finals 100;132
53;63;79 semi finals
Volleyball 16;22 53;80 91;133
Beach Volleyball 27 48 69
Baseball 7;11;13;16 11;16;22;32 22;32;43;64
Cycling (track) 27 37
Equestrian
Dressage 11;21 21;37
Jumping 32;48 63;79
Three Day
Jumping 21;27
Speed or Endurance 27
Dressage 11;21
Soccer
Birmingham, AL 30;40 20;30 qtr finals
Miami, FL 30;35;40;75 25;30;35;75 qtr finals
Orlando, FL 20;30;40
Washington, DC 25;35;45;65
Athens, GA 27;53;80 semi final 53;80;133
Archery 11 21 27
Badminton 16 27 38
Canoeing (sprint) 11 16 32
Canoeing (slalom) 26 32
Mountain Cycling 16
Fencing 11 27
Handball 16 16;27
Field Hockey 11;16 22;27
Modern Pentathalon 27
Rowing 11 16 32
Softball 16 16 32
Table Tennis 11 16 27
Judo 22 43
Shooting 22
Synchronized Swimming 11;22;32 27;38;48
Water Polo 22 32 11;22;32
27;43;53
Weightlifting 22 43
Wrestling 22 43
Marathon, Race Walking, Road Cycling are free, if you can find a place to
stand by the roadside.
2.2 How do I get tickets?
Tickets went on sale May 1, 1995. The plan in the U.S. is to
distrubute order booklets at retail outlets such as McDonalds and
stores that sell Coca-Cola. Forms can now be obtained by sending
$5.00 to ACOG, 1996 Ticket Request Form, P.O. Box 105153,
Altanta, GA 30348-5153. Orders placed before June 30, 1995
for "oversold" events will be put into a lottery pool to determine
who gets tickets. People who ordered tickets should find out in
early September what tickets you were able to get. If you were not
able to get the tickets you ordered, ypu must request a refund from
ACOG or they will keep it as a "contribution". Tickets will no
longer be available by mail after December 1995.
In February 1996, you will be able to order tickets by phone (number
not available yet). In June 1996, Box offices will open at 31 venues
and other locations.
If anyone has information on obtaining forms in other countries,
let me know.
2.3 What are my chance of getting a ticket?
There will be more than 11 million tickets available. The first
4 million go to national Olympic committees, sponsors and hotels. If
you just want to go to an event for the sake of going (I was there!!),
try baseball, cycling, shooting or some of the other "minor" sports.
Some tickets to popular events may be sold by lottery.
According to news reports, if you make a sizeable donation (more than
$50,000 US) to ACOG, you will receive tickets. The news wasn't clear
on any additional cost or what choice you would have. If you want to
know, mail ACOG a large check and see.
Atlanta Braves season ticket holders will get tickets to certain track and
field preliminary events.
Section 3 - Making Money
3.1 Can I rent my house?
Sure. There are three ways to rent your property:
1. Use the Official Olympic Private Housing '96 set up to manage
rental of private home during the Olympics. They will set the
price, find the renter and take about 45% of the gate. All other
expenses are yours (insurance, utilities, etc.)
(According to the local news, there is a shortage of "offical"
Olympic housing. Private Homes 1996 has reduced it's fee in order
to attract more homes. I am not sure how much it has been reduced,
if you are interested, call and find out.)
Private Housing 1996, Inc. +1 404 455 0081
2. Sign up with a private realty company. You may get to keep a
larger percentage, but may not be able to charge as much (not
"Official", you know). Otherwise expenses will be the same.
Some agencies listed in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 9/18/94:
The FJB Corp +1 404 881 1244
Home Suite Home Brokers +1 404 452 1660
Jenny Pruits Summer of '96 Luxury Housing Program +1 404 250 9900
Event Realty +1 404 640 5596
Gold Medal Realty +1 404 952 4653
Great Manors +1 404 325 7829
Some others listed 7/21/95 In the AJC:
Special Events Housing +1 404 425 8666
Event Managemnet and Travel +1 404 640 5596
Crown Management +1 404 998 9300
Atlanta Hospitality Group +1 404 642 4200
Global Sports Services +1 404 815 6900
Bienvenu '96 +1 404 303 5940
Executive Home Accomodations +1 404 262 7877
Gold Medal Event Guest Rentals +1 404 994 9695
Homeowners United for Gold Medal Housing +1 404 922 0072
Jones and Rowell Private Home Leasing +1 404 939 1981
Home Connections BBS +1 404 447 0264 (voice)
Summer of 1996 Home Rental Catalog +1 404 371 1103
Japan '96 +1 404 243 1760
Int'l Bed and Breakfast Reservations +1 404 872 1042
Bed and Breakfast Atlanta +1 404 875 0525
Some others that I have found out about:
The Internet Advantage e-mail to royal@mindspring.com for more
information.
http://iss.net/rent
3. Do it your self. 'Nuff said about that one.
3.2 Can I work for the Olympics?
The Offical Temporary Help agency for The Olymics is Randstad
Staffing Service +1 404 325 9600.
If you have high profile sports event experience, broadcasting,
staging, etc., send your resume to ACOG, 250 Williams St.,
Atlanta, GA 30301.
If you live in an "Olympic affected" area, you could qualify for
construction work or training. Call Carol Crowell, Neighborhood
Job Employment Training Program. +1 404 521 9070
Service and hospitality companies will also staff up. Or you
could go out and start your own business. If you do, be careful of
trying to look "official Olympic". ACOG is jealously protecting all
things Olympic in names and appearance.
Section 4 - Related events
4.1 Atlanta Sports '95.
July 29 - August 20 1995. Basically a dress rehearsal for the Olympics.
4.2 Cultural Olympiad
June 1 - August 4 1996. A Celebration of Southern Culture in Olympic
Park prior to and concurrent with the Games.
4.3 Olymphilex '96
July 19-August 3, 1996. A nationally accredited stamp exhibition at the
Merchandise Mart in Atlanta. For more information write:
Nancy Zielinski, Chair
Olymphylex '96
P.O. Box 1996
Lexington, GA 30648 USA
Or fax +1 706 743 3845
E-mail to dnc@alpha.math.uga.edu
4.4 Atlanta Paralympic Games
August 16 to August 27, 1996. 4,000 physically challenged athletes from
100 nations will compete in Olympic-style games. For information
+1 404 588 1996. For tickets +1 404 724 2849. To volunteer
+1 404 724-2865
For online information
http://www.grady.uga.edu/Paralympics/ParalympicHome.html
Section 5 - Miscellaneous
5.1 Volunteering
If you want to volunteer for Olympic duty, Call ACOG at +1 404 224 1996.
The application books have been distributed. Volunteers will be employed
as hosts, drivers, escorts. You could also call United Way to find some
unoffical volunteer work during the Games at +1 404 527 7346.
5.2 Traffic Notes
Quite a few parking lots will be leased by ACOG, so your parking spaces
may not be available.
Portions of Techwood Drive, Alexander Street and Marietta Street will
be closed to non-Olympic traffic from 7:30 am to midnite.
International Boulevard and Capitol Avenue will be reserverd for
pedestrian traffic.
Vehicle passes may be required to travel parts of downtown.
Event tickets include MARTA transportation.
If you need to go into town during the games, Take MARTA.
On a positive note, a friend of mine lived in LA during the games. He
said traffic was actually a little better than normal since most people
stayed off of the streets.
MARTA will establish some extra Park-and-Ride Lots to shuttle people to
stations.
The official traffic plan calls for most major roads in the "Olympic RIng"
(See some of the web pages for a picture of this) will be closed from 7:30 am
until midnight or closed altogether during the games. In a nutshell, don't
plan on driving to any of the events. On a side note, the Atlanta government,
who has jurisdiction over traffic and street closings, has not released a plan
yet.
5.3 Places to Stay
From newspaper reports, hotels are going to be scarce. ACOG has reserved
most of the rooms in the Atlanta area (read - within a 90 minute drive)
for Olympic personnel. The extra rooms, if any, will not be released
until just before the games. Travel agents have booked most of the
remaining rooms. If you arrange your own lodgings, call early and call
often.
ACOG may even be snapping up the Stone Mountain campgrounds.
Stone Mountain will put you on a waiting list in case ACOG doesn't
use the campgrounds and you want to camp. The phone number is
+1 404 498 5710.
5.4 Phone Number Confusion
Between August 1 and November 30, 1995 the Atlanta metropolitan area will
be splitting into two area codes, the current 404 and a new 770. As a general
rule of thumb, any phone inside the "Perimiter" (I-285) will stay 404, all
phones outside the Perimeter will become area code 770. During the transition,
404 will work for 770 numbers. Southern Bell had tried to forestall the change
until after the Games, but couldn't. If after December 1, you call a number and
it isn't in service or it is ther wrong place, try area code 770. I will update
any numbers I have listed as they come available.
5.5 The Weather
Look for hot and humid weather. The lows will probably be in the mid 70's (F),
with highs in the low to mid 90's (F). Each afternoon will have a chance of
scattered thundershowers. At the end of July 1995, Altanta was at record (102)
or near record temperatures during the period the games will be. For those who
attend from cooler climates, wear light weight, light colored clothing, sunscreen,
a hat and drink plenty of liquids (preferably water). For the athletes,
well - good luck.
5.6 Pin Collecting Clubs
The 1996 Olympic Games Pin Society +1 800 PINS496
The Association of Georgia Pin Traders +1 404 879 7467
Pin Pals of Atlanta +1 404 604 6597 or +1 404 876 1331
Section 6 - 'net Resources
6.1 Web sites
http://www.peachweb.com/olympics.html
http://www.mindspring.com/~royal/olympic.html
http://www.nationsbank.com/olympic.html
http://www.gatech.edu/olympics/intro.html
http://www.atlanta.olympic.org - Official Atlanta Olympics
http://iss.net/olympix
http://www.cam.org/~fishon1/olympic.html
http://www.mediacons.com/gold.htm
http://www.alogrithm.com/summer96/summer96.html
http://www.netlanta96.com
http://www.com-stock.com/dave
http://www.olympic.org - Official IOC
http://www.aafla.com/olymprim.htm - Amature Athletic Foundation
Atlanta Informational web pages:
http://www.ajc.com The Atlanta Newspapers
http://www.com/acvb The Atlanta Convention and visitors bureau
http://www.intellicastcom:80/icast/weather/atl/wxatl.html The local weather
http://iss.net/atlanta
http://www.com-stock.com/dave
6.2 Online Services
Delphi - DIXIE STATES FORUM (cf 381)
Last-modified: Fri, 05 Jan 1996 03:30:07 -0500