Cook wants public to sign up for London 2012 tickets

cook Australia 2011

England Ashes hero Alastair Cook has urged the public to sign up for London 2012 tickets, admitting crowd support played a key role in his recent inspirational performances against Australia.Cook was named man of the series after notching up 766 runs in England’s first Ashes win in Australia since 1987 and he was today joined by world and European triple jump champion Phillips Idowu at the Olympic Park celebrate exactly 18 months until London 2012.
Idowu will be bidding to add the Olympic title to his illustrious CV at London 2012 while Cook will no doubt be strutting his stuff for England in the summer of 2012 at Lord’s – also the venue for the London 2012 archery competition.
Over Christmas, London 2012 chief executive Paul Deighton revealed that two million people had signed up for the 8.8 million tickets on offer.
And Cook, who was treated to vociferous away support from the notorious Barmy Army in Australia, has implored the public who have not signed up to do so.
“London 2012 will be a once in a lifetime opportunity, the Olympic Games is the biggest sporting event in the world and whether you're an athlete or a fan you don't want to miss out,” said Cook.
“It's really important that people sign up for tickets, you won't get this chance again so go online today and register.
“Having great support behind you makes a big difference, I've experienced it myself in England as well as with the Barmy Army abroad and it really spurs you on.
“Having the stands packed full of British fans will hopefully inspire Team GB.”
London 2012 tickets will go on sale in March and will play an integral part in Locog raising £2m from the private sector with 25 per cent of that expected to come from ticket sales.
Idowu added: “I’m from East London so it’s literally my home Games. It’s the perfect opportunity to win that gold medal and I hope people from across the country will sign up to come cheer on my team mates and I.’
Tickets will go on sale on March 15 but in order for people to put themselves in the front row for information it’s essential they register their interest at www.tickets.london2012.com