London Olympics chief Sebastian Coe has promised Australians that next year's Games will match the party atmosphere of the 2000 Sydney edition.
Speaking on the eve of the ticketing launch for the 2012 Games, Coe said he believed London could produce the same sort of festive spirit that made the Sydney Games so memorable.
"I think it can (match Sydney), London is a city that people come to party," Coe told AAP.
"It does not take much in either country to want to party.
"In saying that, you did turn it into a science (for Sydney 2000)." Coe predicted the Australian Olympic team would enjoy in London its strongest support at a Games outside of Australia.
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"We always make the most of our differences ... but I can remember the added excitement for many Brits at the prospect of Sydney Games or the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, it spices it up," he said. "There are a lot of Australians living in London.
"There is no question about the chunk of support that Australians will have, particularly in the velodrome and the aquatic centre." A four-tonne Olympic clock in Trafalgar Square has commenced the countdown with 500 days to go to the Games from Tuesday.
"Australians are so much a part of the Olympics, Australians really do understand what the Olympic movement is about, what the sport is about," Coe said. "We want you there, you are a really big part of our story."
About 29,000 of the more than six million Olympic tickets will be available for Australians to purchase in the initial phase of ticketing starting on Wednesday and finishing on April 22.
Those wishing to register for tickets should head to www.cosport.com.au. Ticket prices start from $A45 and half the tickets offered will be priced under A$150.
A second phase of ticket sales will held in June. AAP tdw/nh/rj
