When media numbers exceed the safe capacity of the venue media facilities, the IOC will require that media representatives have tickets – in addition to a credential – for venue access. This policy will be used in conjunction with the Tokyo 2020 advance media booking system as outlined on Page No. 27 of the June 21 Version 3 IOC Press Playbook.

Only media with E, EP, ES, EPS or ET accreditation are eligible to receive tickets for high-demand events.

The IOC has determined that the following events will be high demand events and will be ticketed. Other events may also be ticketed; media will be notified on the Games-time info system and at the IOC ticketing office in the Main Press Center.

  • Opening Ceremony
  • Closing Ceremony
  • Artistic Gymnastics (all medal sessions—men and women)
  • Athletics (all evening sessions—men and women)
  • Basketball (final, men’s only, if USA is competing)
  • Handball (semifinals and final—men and women)
  • Swimming (all medal sessions—men and women)
  • Tennis (quarterfinals, semifinals and final—men and women)

Other sessions may be added as high-demand events at the discretion of the IOC and OCOG. Continue to check back here for the most up-to-date list

U.S. Allocation Policy 

1. U.S. media may apply for high-demand event tickets beginning four days before the designated session by either:
a. Signing up outside the USOPC office in the Main Press Center, or
b. Sending an email to Bill Hancock (Bill.Hancock@usopc.org)

2. The general high-demand event ticketing timetable is as follows and is subject to change:  

Opening and Closing Ceremonies

Four Days Prior
Deadline for requests 5 p.m.

Three Days Prior
List of recipients posted outside USOPC office in MPC

Two Days Prior
Tickets distributed at USOPC office, 2-6 p.m.

Day Of Ceremony
Tickets distributed at USOPC office, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Deadline for ticket pick-up, 1 p.m. Unclaimed tickets issued to media on waiting list, 1 p.m.

Competition

Three Days Prior
Deadline for ticket requests, 5 p.m.

Two Days Prior
List of recipients posted outside USOPC office, 1 p.m. Tickets distributed at USOPC office, 2-6 p.m.

One Day Prior
Tickets distributed at USOPC office, 2-6 p.m. Deadline for ticket pick-up, 6:30 p.m. Unclaimed tickets issued to media on waiting list, 6 p.m. 
 
3. Media must pick up their tickets at the USOPC office (signature and photo ID required). Editors may submit a written authorization (to Bill.Hancock@usopc.org) for a media representative to pick up a ticket allocated for a colleague from the same publication.
 
4. Media who decide not to attend after being allocated tickets should contact Bill Hancock immediately so the tickets can be reassigned to other U.S. media representatives.
 
The USOPC communications staff (including sport press officers) will use the following criteria to determine ticket allocation:
A. Coverage of the sport’s Olympic Trials, national and/or world championships, and other international competitions
B. Presence of an Olympic beat writer
C. Regular coverage of Olympic sports
D. Coverage in hometowns of athletes involved
E. Coverage of USOPC meetings or events
F. Past Olympic coverage G. Circulation