LONDON, England (AFP) — Up to a million tickets for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow went on sale yesterday, with high demand causing delays on the website.

Following overwhelming demand for London 2012 Olympics tickets, the Games site www.glasgow2014.com was warning of one-hour booking delays shortly after the tickets went on sale at 0900 GMT.

The XXth Games will host 4,500 athletes from 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth. The 11-day event starts on July 23.

Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt could be among those taking part after the six-time Olympic gold medallist hinted that he might compete.

Tickets for the 17 sporting events are on sale for four weeks until September 16.

Organisers say that rather than a first-come, first-served system, everyone who applies before that date will have an equal chance of receiving tickets for events.

Adult ticket prices start at £15 (US$23.50) and two-thirds of them cost £25 or less.

Organisers say at least 70 per cent of the tickets will be available for public purchase. At the London Olympics, there was an outcry over blocks of empty seats left unused by sponsors.

“We look forward to welcoming elite athletes from across the Commonwealth and the best welcome we can give them are stadia packed with supporters cheering them on.”