In two years time, London will be buzzing with Olympic fever as it prepares to host the world’s second biggest sporting event (after the FIFA World Cup). But preparations are well under way and already the merchandise sellers are cashing in.
Olympic Stadium
The main venue – the Olympic Stadium – is already at its full height with all 14 lighting towers in place and work has started on the field of play. The area has been cleared of construction equipment and experts are preparing the ground for the running track and turf for the field events. Before that happens, ducts and a drainage system will be installed. Then the base layers will be put in place ready for laying the turf and track next year.
A factory in Luton has started manufacturing the 80,000 seats and a quarter of the cable-net roof has been covered with the fabric material that will provide shelter for two-thirds of the spectators.
Aquatics Centre
The Aquatics centre will host two 50m pools and the diving area. Testing has already started on all three– using ten million litres of water–before they are sealed and lined with 180,000 tiles.
The roof has been lined with 11,000 square metres of recycled aluminum and water from the pools will be used to flush the toilets. The 160m long wave-shaped roof will weigh more than 3000 tonne when it is finished.
The plan is to have the centre finished a year before the games start so that test events can be held.
Olympics Merchandise
At the end of July 2010, the organising committee revealed a selection of official merchandise in the hope that the range will prove popular as gifts for Christmas. The selection includes clothing by Adidas and Next, items for the home from ceramics to bedding, mascot toys and figurines, and collectables including pins, stamps and coins.
When and Where Will the Olympics Take Place?
The dates for the Olympic Games are 27 July to 12 August 2012. These will be followed by the Paralympic Games from 29 August to 9 September 2012.
As well as the major venues in London, events will be happening around Great Britain. The City of Coventry Stadium – home to Championship football team Coventry City – will be used for Olympic football matches. Football will also be played at Old Trafford, home of Manchester United and St James’ Park, home of Newcastle United.
Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour will be used for sailing competitions. And Scotland and Wales will be involved as well, with the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and Hampden Park in Glasgow both on the list of venues.
Steve Rogerson - Steve Rogerson is a UK-based writer specialising in television, technology, sports and beer.
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