Massive demand for next summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow has led to delays on the official website as one million tickets were launched.
Initial demand is said to be “very high”, which led to some delays for people trying to access the ticketing section of the official website.
A Glasgow 2014 spokesman said: “We are processing ticket applications as quickly as possible, and appreciate people’s patience during this time and thank them for their phenomenal support.
“The website is up and running and thousands of people are already starting and submitting their applications. Due to the very high levels of demand, however, some people may have to queue.
“It makes no difference whether you apply on the first day, the last or any day in between, as long as your application is completed by 6pm on September 16.”
Users attempting to apply for tickets were told they could be waiting for up to 30 minutes and a statement on the website said: “We are currently experiencing high demand on the website. We are processing ticket applications as quickly as possible and appreciate your patience during this time.”
Although there was an initial surge, people have four weeks to apply for a ringside seat at the competition which will see 71 nations perform across 17 sports.
Elite athletes from around the world will travel to Scotland for the 11-day event beginning on July 23.
Ticket prices start at £15 for adults, with discounts for under-16s and over-60s. Games chiefs have pledged that two-thirds of tickets will be £25 or less.
Olympic silver medallist swimmer Michael Jamieson marked the start of sales by plunging into the refurbished pool at the city’s Tollcross International Swimming Centre where he hopes to claim Commonwealth gold next year.
The Glaswegian, who trained at the pool in his youth, said the difference between watching the Games on television and experiencing it as part of the spectator crowd will be “second to none”.
“There is nothing to beat live sport,” he said.
The four-week ticketing phase opened at 10am on Monday and closes at 6pm on September 16. Ticket applications can be made at glasgow2014.com or via postal applications forms distributed nationwide.