Commonwealth Games chief Mike Fennell has admitted he is concerned about the lack of crowds at venues on the opening day of the Games.Mr Fennell told a news conference in the Indian capital, Delhi, that many venues were going near-empty.
The spectators have been missing because it is not very easy to buy tickets. Heavy security at the stadiums has also been a deterrent.Games organisers now say they are taking steps to bring in the crowds."A number of venues do not have lots of spectators," Mr Fennell said.It is "one area which causes us concern", he added.
Organising committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi said "steps are being taken" to bring in the crowds.He said ticket booths had been opened at every venue to make it easier to purchase tickets.
The organisers say they are also considering giving away tickets to children in an effort to fill the venues.The run-up to the Games has been rather messy, with organisers missing several deadlines for completion of projects.The event has been dogged by serious allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
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