What the hell is up with the crowds in Rio?

[rufus dog]

Every time I switch over to the Olympics the stadiums are almost empty. NBC makes no comment.

The USA Soccer match was 1/8 filled, the opening track and field events, maybe 1000 people in a 40k+ stadium.

Anyone have any insight?

[LonePirate]

1. My guess is that tickets are priced for wealthy foreigners and not local Brazilians.

[rufus dog]

2. that would be my guess

But DAMN! The stadiums are empty.

[Eleanors38]

14. Yep. There is a grand fixation with importing doses of wealth, even in Austin...

We are festival weary, and taxpayers had to fund a Formula 1 facility so fru-fru international race fans could jet in (I saw in succession two 4-engine jets take off from the airport). Yet, the place is losing money, and the county is pressed to build a better hiway to the plant. How to make up for the expense? Why more Fests™! Ironically, the facility is located to the (formerly) cheap houses of Mexicans & poor whites.

[msongs]

3. considering all the bad mouthing the crowds are doing they may have been shut out intentionally nt

[global1]

4. I'm Sure The Bad Press Rio Got Before The Games Started....

didn't help. Construction behind schedule. Zika. Contaminated water. Political problems.

A lot of people made the decision not to go.

NBC must have paid a lot of money to televise the games. I don't think they want to cast any more negativity on the games by further bad mouthing them.

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

5. There isn't always a local audience for certain matches or events

There aren't necessarily a lot of people in Rio who want to watch Belarus vs. Japan Women's Basketball.

[Control-Z]

6. Swimming and women's gymnastics

have been packed.

[Cracklin Charlie]

7. Maybe they're all at the diving venue.

There seems to be no coverage from the green water events.

[Mendocino]

8. But I heard the crowds numbered in

the Brazillions!

Sorry I just had to.

[UTUSN]

9. Wouldn't it be local displeasure over the contrast between their standard of living

vs the luxury waste of spending on this event?

[auntpurl]

10. I heard the BBC announcers talking about this yesterday.

Apparently, when you see big blocks of prime seating empty, it's usually corporations that have bought a big block of tickets for their favored clients. Because they are "freebies" for people who weren't motivated enough to get tickets of their own, they often skip it. A shame, as the rafter seats are usually packed, but the prime seats remain empty.

In addition, I suspect the widely-publicized pollution problems in Rio might have turned people off from traveling. And Zika.

[suffragette]

11. Would be nice if they would donate these seats to kids' groups

And other organizations.
I bet they would enjoy the events and since they've already spent the money why not do the right thing and help someone out.

[Adrahil]

12. A friend of mine there....

Said the quality of available accommodations is pretty poor, unless you have a LOT of money. They've decided to come home early because the water in the hotel smells..... unsavory, and they are afraid of getting sick. On the up side, they said they've seen no mosquitoes!

[davidn3600]

13. Too expensive for locals. And clients of corporations that bought blocks of tix went home

[JI7]

15. how about when a brazilian athlete or team is playing ?

[Shandris]

16. No idea. The safety and beauty of Brazil's multicultural enterprise should have the stands filled..

...with teeming millions bedecked in the latest fashions and with the finest electronics and reporting gear, not to mention individual rights. The tolerance and excitement of all those cultures all pressed so close together must be an intoxicating blend of sweet, sweet life. If only those poor, silly Americans had it so good, the bassards.

Can't imagine why it's practically emp...OH LOOK, IS THAT MORE BODY PARTS WASHING UP ON THE VOLLEYBALL BEACH?