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Tokyo Olympic ticket prices soaring

TOKYO (AP) — Having trouble getting tickets for next year’s Tokyo Olympics?

That’s no problem if you have $60,000 to spare.

Tokyo Olympic organizers are offering high-end hospitality packages to Japan residents with prices soaring to 6.35 million yen — about $60,000. This is good for the opening and closing ceremony, nine days of track and field with luxury seating and sumptuous dining. Low-end packages dip down to about $1,500 for one session at a less popular event.

Tokyo is shaping up as a very pricey Olympics.

Ticket demand is unprecedented, so unofficial re-selling likely will flourish. Hotel rates are soaring. And getting here will be costly, particularly for people traveling from the Americas and Europe.

“I don’t know if I can afford to go to the Olympics,” Brant Feldman, a Los Angeles-based sports agent, told The Associated Press. He’s attended seven straight Olympics and represents American and Canadian athletes for AGM Sports. “For the average family right now to head to the Olympics, it’s going to be the most expensive in history.”

Tokyo organizers say the luxurious hospitality packages are an “opportunity for family, friends and business contacts” to enjoy the Olympics. In the words of organizers, here’s what’s included with the tickets:

— specially selected Champagne, sake and beers

— gourmet dining menu prepared by top international chefs

— fine wines chosen by our sommelier

— elegant commemorative souvenir VIP access pass

— first-class personal service capable of dealing with any request

— event host and celebrity guests appearances.

Hospitality packages, of course, are aimed at the wealthy, targeting executives who treat the Olympics as a venue for doing business.

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