Amsterdam in 1928 was the first Games where colour began to play a part in ticket design. Nearly 30 years before Melbourne in 1956, different coloured tickets were utilised to illustrate the days of the events.
As the higher resolution scans later on this page show, the design of these tickets was incredibly elaborate. Whilst in part this was aesthetic, to provide a complex and beautiful design, security was also a key element. The intention was to make the designs so elaborate that the tickets would be difficult to forge. The use of the different colours was, very cleverly, a misdirection to potential forgers upon the differences between the tickets of different days. Those seeking to copy the tickets would believe this to be the only element to change for each day, however that elaborate background design was in fact altered in small areas on a daily basis. Staff checking the tickets would take care to check these hidden areas on each day. Forgers would have their work cut out inspecting the tickets in minute detail to ensure that their copies were correct.
Standard ticket
Stannplaatsen = Standing room Marathon tribune = Marathon stand Zuidelijke tribune = South stand Zijvak = Side entrance? Toegangspijs = Admission Met belasting = With tax Dit biljet op aanvraag vertoonen = Exhibit this ticket on request
The rear of the ticket loosely translates as:
TheNetherlandOlympic Committeedraws to theattentionofthe visitorsthatno liability is accepted fordamage tovisitors, their persons or propertyduringthe Games within or upon the land of any sports stadium. It is prohibitedin the areaswhere the OlympicGames are being held to take photographs or make cinematographicrecordings. The value and benefits of thisticket will expireunconditionally forthe holder, if they are locatedin any of the above areasin possessionofphotographicorcinematographicapparatus.
Series ticket
The series ticket had the appearance of a small booklet, with the second image showing the double width display upon opening. A different shaped hole punch would then be used on each day of the Games to register entry. You will see the dates which run along the top and bottom of the page.
The text on the back of the series pass matches that identified above, stated upon the rear of the standard ticket.
Honour Box
Toegangskaart recht gevende tot een zitplaats op Stadion Eere-Tribune Loge = Access card for seat on Stadium Grandstand Box
Geldig op alle terreinen (Officieele Tribune) = Validin all areas(OfficialStand)