A 20m-high ‘wrap’ will encircle the 900m circumference of the Stadium. Artists will create a large mural on the wrap of historical sporting champions, participating countries’ flags and sponsor logos, giving the Stadium its distinctive appearance.
Where is it?
The Olympic Stadium will be at the south of the Olympic Park on an island site surrounded on three sides by waterways, within easy walking distance of the Olympic Village and warm-up facilities.
Getting ready
Construction officially started on the Stadium on 22 May 2008. Prime Minister Gordon Brown was on site to see the work begin and meet some of the workers. Over the next few years over a thousand workers will help build the venue.
In October 2008 the first steel was erected on the Olympic Stadium reaching 35 metres above the ground and creating a visible landmark for miles. Steel terracing supports, each weighing 35 tonnes are being lifted into place above the podium level to hold the 55,000 seats in the upper tiers.
The Stadium timeline
•July 2006: search starts for build and design team
•Oct 2006: negotiations begin with Team Stadium
•Feb 2007: Olympic Board gives statement on legacy
•July 2007: demolition starts on Olympic Stadium site
•July 2007: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with Team Stadium
•Nov 2007: concept designs launched
•Dec 2007: Stadium site clearance completes
•April 2008: contract signed and Team Stadium take over site
•May 2008: construction started
•2011: construction finishes in time for test events to take place before the Games
During the Games
The Olympic Stadium will be at the heart of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games. All Athletics events will take place in the Stadium as well as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, watched by millions of people around the world. It will have 25,000 permanent seats and 55,000 temporary seats that will be removed after the Games.
After the Games
After the Games, the Stadium will be transformed into a 25,000 capacity venue that will host a variety of sporting, educational, cultural and community events. It will be a venue for memorable sporting moments during 2012, but it will continue to add value to the local community for years to come.
