Opening ceremony tickets were going for less than the list price if you don't mind buying from a scalper. And while scalping is legal here in New South Wales, it is unfortunately illegal for the olympics. Tickets can really range in prices. I got cheap seats for all my events since I'm a lowly foreign student here. If I actually had an income it would be different. The gymnastics, diving, swimming, and track and field are the expensive ones. (Actually the opening and closing ceremonies are the most expensive). But some things are pretty cheap: baseball, equestrian, judo, etc - mostly the events that are less glamourous. The triathlons, cycling (not the velodrome stuff) and the sailing events are free since you can view them from many parts of the city. I can't think of a better backdrop for some of these events. To swim in the harbour (after they cleaned it up) and cycle and run past the Opera House, Art Gallery of NSW, and Royal Botanic Gardens makes for one great set-up.