Announcing the news, Sebastian Coe (pictured), chairman of London 2012, also revealed tickets for the Paralympics will be available from September 9.

The process for 6.6 million Olympic Games tickets available to the general public will open for six weeks, enabling people to consider their options before making their final choices and applying.

Applications will close on April 26 and all oversubscribed sessions will be allocated via a ballot process.

People can apply at any point during the six-week application period - it is not a first come, first served process.

London 2012 will announce full details of the purchasing process and the finalised schedule for all 650 sport sessions in February.

The two million people who have already signed up to the London 2012 ticketing database – www.tickets.london2012.com - will receive all the information about how to apply and those who have registered will be able to use their existing log-in details to access the application process.

A total of 8.8 million tickets are available for the Games, including those that will be allocated to sponsors and other members of the Olympic Movement, which are vital to raising £2 billion ($3 billion) from the private sector to stage the event.

The London 2012 organisation needs to get 25 per cent of its revenue from ticket sales.

Further details on applying for Paralympic tickets will be announced later this year, with prices announced in May.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the world's greatest athletes going for gold in the UK - a chance for people to see their favourite sport and perhaps try a new one," said Coe.

"Our message today is simple – mark the date in your diary and sign up to our ticketing site at www.tickets.london2012.com to receive all the information you need to help you with the process"

On March 15 the process will open for all Olympic Games tickets – including UK Games Break packages via official London 2012 supporter Thomas Cook, hospitality packages via Prestige Ticketing, international travel and accommodation packages via Jet Set Sports and globally via each National Olympic Committee or its authorised ticket reseller.

Tickets for the London 2012 Festival events will go on sale in the autumn 2011.

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