London’s Olympic Stadium to be British Athletics Base after 50-year Deal

London’s Olympic Stadium, which was announced as Wet Ham United’s home stadium, will be the new national base for British athletes after a new deal was agreed.

The contract, signed by stadium managers E20 Stadium LLP and UK Athletics, will see the Olympic stadium become the new national centre for athletics. UKA will have priority use of the Stadium from the last Friday in June to the end of July each year under a 50 year agreement, starting from 2016 when the stadium will be fully operational following its legacy transformation.

There will also be a permanent community track with dedicated facilities adjacent to the main Stadium available for use by the local community and clubs as part of the ongoing commitment to a lasting athletics legacy in east London.

Britain will hold London Diamond League meetings at the stadium during the summer and a new track will be built on the site which will offer all-year facilities to athletes and local clubs.

Diamond League meetings have previously been staged at the smaller and older Crystal Palace venue in south London.

“Today’s agreement is a great result for athletics,” said UK Athletics Chief Executive Niels de Vos.

“We’ve seen how there is a huge public appetite for seeing athletics on the biggest stage.”

London Legacy Development Corporation Chief Executive Dennis Hone said: “Tens of thousands will enjoy watching top class athletics each year here in east London.

“But crucially the deal means that the stars of tomorrow can train and compete in this iconic Stadium and help inspire the youngsters of the East End of London to reach their full potential.”

The stadium will host the 2017 World Athletics Championships and IPC Athletics World Championships as well as some games in the 2015 Rugby Union World Cup.

{jcomments on}