There are just 500 days left until the big event starts (© London 2012)

The 8.8m tickets went on sale today (March 15) and will be available for purchase until April 26.

With just 500 days left to the big event, Lord Coe, London 2012 chairman, said that he expects the event to be a sell out.

However, organisers of the event say that they are confident that the website will not crash as they have taken measures to decrease a sudden rush of ticket buyers, including allowing the sale process to last for 42 days, with each ticket application between now and April 26 being treated the same. Therefore, unlike tickets for a Justin Bieber concert where tickets are sold on a first come first served basis, it doesn’t matter whether you’re the first to submit your application on March 15 or the last on April 26.

People can also apply for tickets by filling in an application form, available at branches of Lloyds TSB in England, Bank of Scotland in Scotland and libraries in Northern Ireland between now and the closing date.

Ticket prices range from just £20 to £2,012 for the more popular events.

Lord Coe said, ‘The big ticket events are always going to be the big ticket events, but there are plenty of opportunities to see the big stars at a lower price.’

There are also discount prices available for those who are under 17 years old or over 60 years old.

All applicants will find out by June 24 as to whether their application has been successful.

Tickets for the Paralympic Games will go on sale in September 2011.

To purchase tickets for the London 2012 Olympics online, visit http://www.tickets.london2012.com/

By Lauren King