Beginning September 15th and ending October 1st, 2000 most of the world will have their eyes on Sydney, Australia and the Summer Olympic Games. Ten thousand athletes from over 200 countries playing 28 sports will converge down under for a chance of a lifetime. Despite all the hoopla over administration corruption and the unfortunate bombing in Atlanta, there isn't a worldwide sporting event that brings together so many countries, contestants, and general enthusiasm. Here is how you can see the games in Sydney for real cheap.

Olympic tickets are not as expensive as you might think. Prices range from $19 for first-round sporting events and up to $455 for prime seating in final rounds for sports like swimming, soccer, and gymnastics. Opening and closing ceremonies are bit more pricey, ranging from $105 for nose bleed seats to $1,382 to sit next to some foreign ambassador. Tickets are said to be available May 30th.

Free Sporting Events
If you're really going shoestring for the games, the marathon, the triathlon, road cycling and sailing are all free.

Other Free Stuff
There will be free, 24-hour transportation for those holding tickets at the games. Ticket holders can travel to the Syndey metropolitan area, Hunter Valley in the north, Bathurst in the west, Goulbourn in the southwest, and Nowra in the south, all for free.