www.sportsvenue-technology.com Pressreleases

'Reebok and the NHL Debut New Referee and Linesmen Jerseys for Historic NHL All-Star Game in Montreal'

2008-07-03T16:24:40Z

'Reebok also Introduces Smoothfit™ Technology for Player Jerseys

Reebok is proud to announce the debut of new NHL All-Star jerseys for referees and linesmen for this year’s historic NHL All-Star Game, which will be held in Montreal, on Jan. 25. The jerseys -- 18 percent lighter in weight than current officials’ uniforms -- are customized to fit the specific needs of officials, providing increased range of motion and better moisture management.

In addition to the introduction of new officials jerseys, the jerseys that will be worn by the Eastern and Western Conference NHL All-Stars will include Reebok’s patent-pending Smoothfit™ performance name and numbering technology, which allows players to move more efficiently on the ice and will contribute to improved moisture management. The Smoothfit™ performance name and numbering technology eliminates up to 35 percent of the weight inherent to the traditional name and numbering system, which in many cases, includes multiple layers of twill.

Features on the officials’ uniforms include stretch mesh in the underarm and back of the jerseys, a zipper-less neckline, numbers on the back and sleeve and an enhanced Referee arm bar design to allow for greater on-ice visibility. The uniform also features a microphone channel that allows the officials to maneuver seamlessly across the ice with their microphones securely fastened to them.

The players’ uniforms pay tribute to the history of the game through use of color and symbolic references. The Montreal Canadiens’ red, white and blue color scheme is present in both the East and West uniforms and celebrates the organization’s 100^th anniversary. Additionally, the three stars etched on the players’ sleeves commemorate the three most-recent NHL All-Star games held in Montreal. The jerseys also were constructed with the latest in performance fabrics currently used in the Reebok EDGE Uniform System. These fabrics have been strategically placed or “mapped” throughout the uniform to maximize the athletes’ performances.

“Aesthetically, the design of the 2009 NHL All-Star Eastern and Western Conference uniforms is a deliberate break from traditional hockey uniform patterning and symbolizes the revolutionary advances the sport has made in both technology and popularity,” said Keith Leach, Director of NHL Merchandising, Reebok. “The asymmetric cut lines are meant to create visual motion in the uniform, which is both a literal reference to the speed of the game and symbolic reference to its evolution into the future. The officials’ jerseys will enhance the way the referees and linesmen follow the action on the ice without fear that their microphones will become entangled.”

“Over a year ago, the NHL and our on-ice officials began collaborating with Reebok to refresh and modernize the officials’ uniforms. The results are uniforms that incorporate the latest in technology to offer a lighter, more comfortable fit,” said Stephen Walkom, NHL Senior Vice President & Director of Officiating. “We appreciate the time and effort that Reebok put into making this sweater a reality and look forward to their debut at this year’s NHL All-Star game.”

The Eastern and Western Conference NHL All-Star jerseys currently are available at the Reebok store in Montreal, which has been turned into the city’s NHL merchandise headquarters for this year’s NHL All-Star game, and NHL Powered By Reebok in New York, as well as on Reebok.com and Shop.NHL.com.

The 2009 NHL All-Star Weekend will be held in Montreal from Jan. 24-25, with live national broadcasts of the Honda/NHL SuperSkills^® event on Saturday, Jan. 24, and the NHL All-Star Game on Sunday, Jan. 25, on CBC and RDS in Canada and VERSUS in the United States. NASN, ASN, J Sports, Sky Mexico, Fox Sports Australia and other NHL international broadcast partners will provide live coverage of both the Honda/NHL SuperSkills event and the NHL All-Star Game to more than 150 countries and territories in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Pacific Rim, Mexico and the Caribbean. NHL Radio™ will provide exclusive, national radio coverage which can be heard on stations around the United States and Canada as well as on Sirius XM Radio's NHL Home Ice, located at XM channel 204 and on SIRIUS channel 208 with the “Best of XM” programming package. NHL.com and NHL Network™ will provide extensive coverage of the All-Star Weekend.

About Reebok

Reebok International Ltd., headquartered in Canton, Massachusetts, is a leading worldwide designer, marketer and distributor of sports, fitness and casual footwear, apparel and equipment. A subsidiary of the adidas Group, the company operates under the multiple divisions of the Reebok brand, Reebok-CCM Hockey and the Sports Licensed Division. For more information, visit Reebok at www.reebok.com.

About the NHL

The National Hockey League, founded in 1917, is the second-oldest of the four major professional team sports leagues in North America. Today, the NHL consists of 30 Member Clubs, each reflecting the League’s international makeup, with players from more than 20 countries represented on team rosters. According to a Simmons Market Research study, NHL fans are younger, more educated, more affluent, and access content through digital means more than any other sport. The NHL entertains more than 100 million fans each season in-arena and through its partners in national television (VERSUS, NBC, TSN, CBC, RDS, RIS, NASN, ASN and NHL Network) and radio (NHL Radio, Sirius XM Radio and XM Canada). Through the NHL Foundation, the League’s charitable arm, the NHL raises money and awareness for Hockey Fights Cancer and NHL Youth Development, and supports the charitable efforts of NHL players. For more information on the NHL, log on to NHL.com.

'S&S Seating Signs Contract for Shea Stadium Seat Removal and Distribution'

2008-07-03T16:24:40Z

S&S Seating has been contracted by the New York Mets and the City of New York to remove and distribute the memorabilia stadium seats from Shea Stadium.

S&S Seating (http://www.stadiumseating.net) today announced that they have been contracted by the New York Mets and the City of New York to remove and distribute the Shea Stadium seat pairs being sold to fans and collectors. S&S Seating will remove all pre-sold seat pairs, recondition and repaint the seat arms, box and ship the assembled seat pairs. S&S Seating will also remove and distribute 45-inch sections of bench seating from Shea's Left Field Picnic Area.

S&S Seating will begin removing Shea Stadium seats in the days following the Mets' final home game. The metal seat frames, which date back to Shea's opening season in 1964, will be stripped and repainted in their original color to meet standards for indoor use. The plastic seat and chair-back, which has been in use since 1980, will remain as is. S&S Seating will ship out the pre-sold seat pairs 8-12 weeks after the final game is played at Shea Stadium.

Seat pairs are available for purchase exclusively online at mets.com/shea, with general public sales beginning August 25, 2008. Fans and collectors worldwide will be able to purchase orange, blue, green, and red seats for $869 per pair. The limited inventory of seats will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Each seat pair will be authenticated by Major League Baseball's Authentication Program and affixed with a tamper-proof hologram displaying a unique identification number.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Mets and the City of New York on this stadium seat project," said Dale Sprinkle, President of S&S Seating. "Mets fans have a unique opportunity to own a piece of history, and S&S Seating is honored to provide our expertise to ensure each seat pair is professionally removed and shipped."

About S&S Seating
S&S Seating has been family owned and operated since 1996. In addition to memorabilia seat removal and distribution, S&S Seating also offers refurbished seating to high schools and colleges to upgrade their cement stadiums. Additional information on S&S Seating services can be found online at stadiumseating.net (http://www.stadiumseating.net).

'Vancouver 2010 takes valuable first-hand observations from Beijing 2008 Olympic Games'

2008-07-03T16:24:40Z

'VANOC congratulates Beijing 2008 organizers for unforgettable Games

As the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games move into the final three days, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today provided a summary of its team’s key observations and learnings from the Games and a look ahead to the major Vancouver 2010 milestones in the coming months.

“Sport was the big winner here in Beijing and our lasting impressions of the Olympic Games will be of precision, spectacular fields of play and arenas that allowed athletes to perform at their very best. Additionally, we will never forget the immense pride of Chinese citizens in opening up their country with warmth and hosting the world. In its bid, Beijing committed to inspiring a nation of 400 million children — and they’ve clearly done so given the spectacular performance of their Olympic team,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “Congratulations to the International Olympic Committee, the Beijing 2008 Games Organizing Committee and the people of China on an unprecedented show of sport and culture.”

Furlong added, “Congratulations also to our amazing Canadian athletes, and to our friends at the national sport organizations and the Canadian Olympic Committee, who have demonstrated again how the power of sport can inspire a nation, connecting each province and territory together in the spirit of the Games.”

“Beijing 2008 has been a highly valuable learning experience for our team, especially in the areas of ticketing and the spectator experience. Members of VANOC’s team have been observing and working in areas such as press operations, broadcast, villages, sponsor hospitality and showcasing, ticketing, medical services and volunteers. Everyone will come home with an enhanced perspective on how to make the 2010 Winter Games the best possible experience,” concluded Furlong.

Furlong also reported that the Beijing 2008 Games have fostered additional interest in Vancouver 2010. During the Beijing Games period, visits to vancouver2010.com have increased fivefold, while daily applications from volunteers eager to be part of the 2010 experience have tripled.

The following is a summary of observations/learnings in key areas:

1) Ticketing: All tickets may be sold, but ensuring the venues are full during many competitions remains a challenge for Games Organizers. Confirmation: VANOC recognizes this challenge and is therefore continuing to work on programs intended to make sure that the maximum amount of tickets are in the hands of people who can use them. This includes an authorized resale and exchange system for tickets close to event times. It will also include: the strategic allocation of high-demand tickets within the Olympic Family allotment to ensure they will be used; ensuring the maximum number of tickets are sold to the general public, where usage rates are highest; and minimizing the number of multiple-session tickets. VANOC is also making a concerted effort to raise public awareness about the risk of buying tickets from any channels other than vancouver2010.com and Jet Set Sports, the official sources for Vancouver 2010 tickets.

2) Spectator experience: Creating a consistently positive spectator experience at all venues results in lifelong memories for fans and an optimum atmosphere for athletes. Confirmation: VANOC will continue to develop plans to offer spectators a smooth and efficient entry and exit from all venues, and a consistently rich spectator experience that includes sport education, video, music, mascots, food and beverages, souvenirs and elements that are unique to the history and culture of each sport.

3) Volunteers: Volunteers are the face and personality of an Organizing Committee, and, by extension, the Host Region and Host Country. Confirmation: VANOC will continue to implement a comprehensive volunteer recruitment and training program, including plans to have a senior volunteer at each major touch point to troubleshoot and ensure extraordinary circumstances are dealt with quickly and efficiently.

4) Ceremonies: The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony was a spectacular showcase of culture and sport that inspired intense national pride while employing the latest in special event technology. Confirmation: Canada will have an equally compelling opportunity to tell its Opening Ceremony story to the world and will also use the best practices in major event staging to ensure well-orchestrated and emotionally charged Opening and Closing Ceremonies. VANOC will offer nightly Victory Ceremonies at BC Place which will include a celebration of the medal-winning athletes for the day and a concert by world-class musical artists.

5) Athlete Villages: The Athletes’ Village in Beijing was well-equipped to meet the needs of athletes and team officials, including internet connectivity; food service; team space requirements; and a comfortable, secure environment to train, prepare, rest, relax and meet fellow athletes. Even the small details were a priority, for example, original welcome posters, crafted by children, in each room. Confirmation: The success of Beijing’s Village confirmed VANOC’s plans for its own Athletes’ Villages in Vancouver and Whistler, which will include world-class amenities that will allow athletes to feel “at home” in the time they’re away from competition venues. Vancouver 2010 villages are located close to Games venues and will have optimum internet connectivity, adequate space, recreational facilities and healthy and varied food choices.

6) Media facilities: The Main Press Center (MPC) and International Broadcast Center (IBC) in Beijing offered an excellent setup to meet the needs of accredited media, including seamless security screening systems. Confirmation: The Main Media Centre in Vancouver will provide the added convenience of being conveniently located close to major downtown hotels, sport venues and the spectacular Pacific Ocean waterfront. VANOC will also review the successful security screening system employed by the Beijing Organizing Committee between the media’s accommodation and key venues to see if it can be adapted for Vancouver 2010.

7) Weather: Rain caused delays and postponements at a number of events. The Beijing Organizing Committee was able to reschedule and stage these events within the planned Games schedule. Confirmation: VANOC recently released its Games schedule by time, which was specifically designed to account for the possibility of winter weather delays or postponements and to accommodate this within the Games period.

8) Sponsor profile and showcasing: The Beijing Games offered an exceptional opportunity for major sponsors to use imaginative ways to profile their support, including pavilions at the Olympic Green and partnership in hospitality centres hosted by National Olympic Committees (NOCs). Although early attendance was low, the Beijing Organizing Committee quickly made adjustments to ensure the sponsor showcase area at the Olympic Green became a popular destination. Confirmation: VANOC’s sponsor showcase area will be open to the general public; will be offered free of charge without the requirement of a ticket; and will be conveniently located close to major venues and live sites.

9) Knowledge/experience transfer: A number of key staff from VANOC and its partners were seconded by the Beijing Organizing Committee and Jet Set Sports to work for the Games and be embedded in the Games environment. They are gaining expertise and learning about the Games first hand. Front-of-the-line expertise is being gathered in areas such as press operations, protocol, corporate hospitality, broadcast, villages, sponsor hospitality and showcasing, ticketing, medical services and volunteers. Confirmation: Knowledge transfer and practical work experience opportunities between Organizing Committees at a Games is extremely valuable. VANOC will look to implement similar initiatives to engage personnel from Organizing Committees for future Games.

10) Look of the Games: The Beijing Organizing Committee executed a spectacular Look-of-the-Games program with banners, flags and lighting in addition to successfully creating a colourful and impressive city-wide atmosphere of celebration. Competition venues were particularly well-decorated with the Look of the Games offering a real sense of Olympic celebration. Confirmation: VANOC will release its Look of the Games designs, including sport pictograms, on September 10, and is currently confirming with its partners how Look elements can most effectively create the spirit of celebration in 2010.

Furlong concluded with a general update on Games planning, highlighting key milestones scheduled through the one-year countdown period to Vancouver 2010, including:

Look of the Games and sport pictograms launch (September 2008)
Launch of completely re-designed vancouver2010.com website which includes new content. vancouver2010.com is the Official Website of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (September 2008)
Launch of thematic advertising campaign to introduce the Vancouver 2010 Games-time motto (September 2008)
Olympic tickets on sale and launch of ticketing advertising campaign (October 3, 2008)
Staging of 18 Sport Events, beginning with Short Track Speed Skating (October 24–26, 2008)
Calendar: http://www.vancouver2010.com/resources/PDFs/Sport_events_%20Operational_testing_EN.pdf

Hosting the World Press Briefing (November 18–21, 2008)
Torch Relay National Route Announcement (fall/winter 2008)
Torchbearer programs launched by Coca-Cola and RBC (late 2008)
Official opening of the Vancouver Olympic/Paralympic Centre (venue for curling and wheelchair curling) (fall/winter 2008)
Official opening of the Richmond Oval (speed skating venue) (December 2008)
Details of transportation plans (early 2009)
Unveiling of Olympic Torch design and uniform (early 2009)
One-Year Olympic Countdown (February 2009)
Launch of Phase 2 ticket sales (February 2009)
One-Year Paralympic Countdown (March 2009)

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

Contact
VANOC Communications
mediarelations@vancouver2010.com
'

'PA Governor Rendell Helps to Break Ground for New Pittsburgh Arena'

2008-07-03T16:24:40Z

Penguins Get State-of-the-Art Arena Downtown

Pittsburgh will be able to attract more shows and events with the multi-purpose, state-of-the-art arena that will replace Mellon Arena and become the new home for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Governor Edward G. Rendell said today. "I am delighted to be a part of this historic event," Governor Rendell said at the groundbreaking ceremony on the spot where "center ice" will be once the arena is built across the street from Mellon Arena, between Centre and Fifth avenues.

"Construction of this new arena will provide immediate economic stimulus by creating construction jobs but, more importantly, it will benefit residents for decades to come," the Governor said. "In addition to keeping the Penguins in Pittsburgh, the arena will attract more shows and events because of improved performance space, seating and technology."

Last year, Governor Rendell helped negotiate an agreement for the arena with officials from Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, the Sports and Exhibition Authority and the Penguins. The new facility will replace Mellon Arena where the Penguins now play. Opened as the Civic Arena in 1961, the facility has been the Penguins' home since the team was formed in 1967.

"The team was willing to work with us to reach an agreement because they believe in Pittsburgh and they believe in their fans," Governor Rendell said. "Today, we're bringing a world-class hockey arena for a world-class hockey team, the Pittsburgh Penguins."

The new multi-purpose arena will seat 18,087 fans for hockey games, approximately 1,100 more than Mellon Arena. The development will also include a 500-car parking garage, surface parking lot and event staging area. The arena should be open in time for the 2010 hockey season.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit http://www.governor.state.pa.us.

Contact
Chuck Ardo
717-783-1116

Source: Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

'Sochi 2014 reports first year progress to International Olympic Committee'

2008-07-03T16:24:40Z

Sochi 2014 today presented its first progress report as an Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at its 120th Session in Beijing.

Dmitry Chernyshenko, President and CEO of Sochi 2014, said, "Just over a year ago, Sochi 2014 delivered our final presentation to the IOC in Guatemala. Once again, on behalf of all Russians, I want to thank the IOC for its historic decision. We are working very hard to justify its trust in Sochi.

Today, I was given the opportunity to present our first progress report to the IOC. I outlined that we have achieved all our objectives in our first year as an Organising Committee and provided the IOC with an update on the excellent steps we have taken with regards to the environment, Paralympic planning and integration, transport, construction, legal aspects, marketing, communications, security, brand protection, technology, finance and delivering on Bid commitments.

I was also able to reveal inspiring vision for Sochi 2014: to host an innovative Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games celebrating the Spirit of Russia and delivering sustainable positive change. That is our commitment to Russia and the Olympic Movement and we are working very closely with the IOC to deliver."

Chernyshenko explained that the Sochi Venue and Infrastructure Construction Schedule, which was due for submission on 1 August 2008, was tendered to the IOC ahead of schedule. The plan outlines that the construction of all Olympic venues will start no later than 2009. All sports facilities will be completed by the end of 2012 for a full Test Event programme.

Following significant improvements to its venue plan in the Mountain Cluster, all proposed Sochi 2014 venue locations have been submitted to the IOC and International Federations (IFs) for review and approval. The enhancements represent good news for athletes and spectators alike, as Sochi 2014 has made its Mountain Cluster even more compact than first proposed to the IOC as a Candidate City.

Sochi 2014 proposes that its Mountain Olympic Village is located at the eco-resort of Roza Khutor in the Krasnaya Polyana mountains. The new location for the Athletes' Mountain Village, at a height of 1,100m, is now even more convenient for elite winter athletes as it is closer to the other competition venues than originally planned. The Roza Khutor resort will host all Alpine Skiing and Snowboard events in 2014.

The National Sliding Centre moves away from the Sochi National Park as part of Sochi 2014's commitment to protect and enhance the natural environment in the region through the Winter Games. It is proposed for development at Alpika Service, the most popular alpine skiing resort in Krasnaya Polyana.

Transport planning is also progressing well. In February 2009, Sochi 2014 will submit the next draft of its full Transport Plan. Some of the major transport projects include the redevelopment of Sochi airport terminals, the construction of a new railway and expressway from the Sochi coast to the Krasnaya Polyana mountains and the development of a deep-water sea port.

Chernyshenko also told the IOC that the Russian Government had moved swiftly to enact the crucial legislation for preparing and delivering the Games. Infrastructure legislation was implemented to regulate areas including land acquisition, work permits, procurement, and environment in relation to the Games.

The Olympic and Paralympic law was passed and protects all Bid guarantees by protecting all IOC and IPC intellectual property; preventing ambush marketing, ticket scalping and price gorging; confirming tax exemption in Russia for the IOC and relevant third parties; confirming visa-less entry into the Russian Federation for the Olympic Family.

The IOC also heard that a highly effective and transparent platform for dialogue with all interested parties has been established, with the creation of the Joint Information Centre, with offices in Sochi and Moscow. The Information Centre joins all stakeholders important to the organisation and delivery of the 2014 Winter Games and includes a call centre to answer local Sochi residents' questions. The Centre has already handled 3,000 enquiries, provided walk-in information services and has seen Federal Ministers and others meet with local residents on several occasions.

Chernyshenko also reconfirmed that Sochi 2014 is a national priority for Russia, with both President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin fully committed and heavily involved in the project. He suggested that the decision to propose new locations for select Sochi 2014 venues is a perfect example of collaboration between the Sochi 2014 Organising Committee and the Russian Government, together with the IOC and International Federations.

The news of Sochi 2014's progress met with positive feedback from IOC members in the Session.

'SPORTFIVE Strikes deal with U.C. Sampdoria'

2008-07-03T16:24:40Z

SPORTFIVE Italia, the Italian branch of the international sports marketing group SPORTFIVE, and U.C. Sampdoria have signed a commercial contract for the football season 2008/2009.
As stated in the agreement, SPORTFIVE will market a range of the club’s advertising spaces and sponsorship packages plus hospitality activities, including business seats.

Luca De Ambroggio, Managing Director of SPORTFIVE Italia, declared: "We are honoured and happy about this partnership with a prestigious team like Sampdoria. We are convinced that we can contribute in an effective way to the commercial development of the team and we will put all our expertise and know-how in the field of sports marketing at their disposal." SPORTFIVE is the European leader in this field, dealing with more than 250 teams around Europe.

Giuseppe Marotta, CEO and COO of Sampdoria: "The partnership with SPORTFIVE has been running for several years to our mutual satisfaction in the field of TV rights and the sale of advertising space. Intensification of this partnership is simply the natural consequence of mutual professional esteem."

'LOCOG discusses Equestrian venue with Greenwich societies'

2008-07-03T16:24:40Z

The London 2012 Organising Committee met with members of societies in Greenwich to discuss plans for Greenwich Park, the venue for Equestrian events during the 2012 Games.
Friends of Greenwich Park, the Westcombe Society, the Blackheath Society, the Greenwich Society, Greenwich Council, the Royal Parks and Nick Raynsford MP attended the meeting. They heard an update about the current feasibility work being carried out and thinking behind the designs. As plans are still being finalised, LOCOG gave assurances that consultations would continue in the next few months and give interested groups the chance to feed back.

LOCOG also reiterated the commitment to return the park to the same state it receives after the Games; and to close as little of the park as possible at any one time.

A sports Competition Manger has been appointed for the event who is an expert in the equestrian world.

Source: LOCOG

'Construction starts two months early on London 2012 Aquatics Centre'

2008-07-03T16:24:40Z

ODA also announces it has achieved its milestones to Beijing and sets out next set for the ‘Big Build’
Construction will start two months earlier than planned today on the Zaha Hadid designed London 2012 Aquatics Centre, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) announced today. Work will start on the foundations of the venue which will form a stunning ‘Gateway to the Games’ in 2012, and in legacy will provide world-class swimming facilities that London does not currently have.

The ODA also announced that it had delivered virtually all, and exceeded some. of its ‘dig, demolish, design: milestones to Beijing’ and set out its next set of milestones for the year ahead, ‘the big build: foundations’.

The milestones hit by the ODA in the past year include:

    * 192 buildings demolished
    * over one million cubic metres of soil excavated to shape the park
    * two six kilometre tunnels and 200km of cabling complete
    * contractors appointed to build the ‘Big Four’ Olympic Park venues and design work well-advanced
    * construction started on the Olympic Stadium three months ahead of schedule
    * construction started two months early on Aquatics Centre
    * construction started on the Olympic Village.

ODA Chairman John Armitt said: 'Last April the ODA set out a series of challenging milestones we were aiming to achieve on the project by this summer, so that the public could judge the progress we are making.

'We have hit these deadlines in virtually every regard and exceeded them in some cases. We have started construction early on both the Olympic Stadium and the Aquatics Centre, which will form a fantastic gateway to the Games and provide permanent world-class swimming and diving facilities for the capital. Work is also underway on the Olympic Village.

'Today we are publishing 10 new milestones - ‘the big build: foundations’ - that we plan to achieve by 27 July 2009, just three years away from the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. We have made a very solid start though realise that tough challenges will lie ahead.'

Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee said: 'It is important that London 2012 meets all major milestones and this demonstrates that we are making good progress. I am delighted that work is starting early on the Aquatics Centre. This is a major venue on the Olympic Park, which will provide London and the south east with much needed world class swimming and diving facilities for both elite athletes and for community usage after the Games.

'This is the year that construction starts in earnest on the Olympic Park and it is a fantastic sight to see. In four years time London will have a world class Aquatics Centre, a state of the art VeloPark and a new Athletics Stadium. These facilities will be at the heart of a wonderful summer of sport in 2012 and for elite and community use for many generations. I hope that this will inspire more people to take up sport and that it will lead to more British medal successes in the years to come.'

Olympics Minister, Tessa Jowell said: 'The Aquatics Centre will be one of the most recognisable venues in the world and be seen by billons of people.

'It will also provide desperately needed swimming and diving facilities for elite and community use and leave a lasting sporting and social legacy that will benefit east London and beyond for many years.

'The ODA should also be congratulated on delivering virtually all its major milestones to Beijing. This should inspire confidence as we move in to the next crucial big build stage of the project.'

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: 'Just a few weeks after work started on the Stadium, London and the UK can be proud that we have hit another milestone well ahead of schedule. In the coming months and years, we will see a spectacular Olympic Park rise from the ground, culminating in 2012 when the world will witness the most spectacular celebration of sporting achievement in our wonderful capital city.'

Speaking at the start of construction on the Aquatics Centre site today, Jessica Williams, a 14 year old diver from the Crystal Palace 2012 Olympic Fast Track Team who has been travelling to Sheffield to train, said: 'The London 2012 diving pool will be the best the world with a dry diving gym, water harnesses and a bubble machine for learning hard dives. Being a London diver I am so lucky that I will be one of the first divers to practice on the boards when it opens.

'Living in London, I hear about the Olympics every day and it is such an inspiration for me and my team mates. This year, after winning Nationals, I was invited to the England Squad and I am already working hard to secure my place on the 2012 Olympic Diving Team.'

Milestones for the year ahead include the removal of 52 pylons currently scarring the site as power switches underground, the completion of the Olympic Stadium and Aquatics Centre foundations, the completion of the works at the Weymouth and Portland sailing venue and work underway on the foundations of the VeloPark and International Broadcast Centre/Main Press Centre.

A full list of the new milestones - ‘big build: foundations’ is in a downloadable document.

Aquatics Centre key facts:

    * The Zaha Hadid designed Aquatics Centre is located in the south of the Olympic Park and will be the main ‘Gateway into the Games’, hosting Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming, Water Polo finals and the swimming discipline of the Modern Pentathlon.
    * The Aquatics Centre will have a capacity of 17,500 during the Games, reducing to a maximum of 2,500 in legacy, with the ability to add 1000 for major events, and provide two 50m swimming pools, a diving pool and dry diving area - facilities that London does not have at present.
    * Eleven industrial buildings have been demolished on the 55,000 square metre site.
    * Around 130,000 tonnes of soil have been dug out on of what was one of the more challenging and complex areas of the Olympic Park contaminated with pollutants including petrol, oil, tar, solvents and heavy metals such as arsenic and lead.
    * Four skeletons were discovered and removed from a prehistoric settlement discovered on the site of the Aquatic Centre.
    * 140,000 tonnes of clean soil has been brought from other areas of the Olympic Park to prepare for construction to start.
    * Planning permission has been achieved and Balfour Beatty has recently been appointed to build the Aquatics Centre and huge land-bridge that forms the roof of the training pool and the main pedestrian access to the Olympic Park. Construction work will be complete in 2011 for test events ahead of the Games.
    * The sweeping roof, which is 160m long and 95m at its widest point, is an innovative 2800 tonne steel structure with a riking and robust aluminium covering resting on three supports just 1m squared.
    * The design team is currently considering different types of timber cladding for the internal ceiling of the venue and the sides of the roof supports. The timber selected will be tested over the next twelve months to ensure it works both for the Games and in legacy before installation in 2010.
    * The budget for the Aquatics Centre is £242m and the budget for the land-bridge that will also form part of the roof of the venue is £61m. The total of £303m has not changed and is within the ODA’s Baseline Budget as announced by the DCMS last December.

While the ODA has exceeded a number of its ‘milestones to Beijing’, it reported that due to the wider economic climate it has taken longer than anticipated to agree financing of the Olympic Village development.

The ODA also explained that due to contamination on the original site, construction work on the Broxbourne White Water Canoe Centre was delayed while a new site was secured and that while the treatment of contaminated soil on the Olympic Park is slightly behind schedule, the construction programme is unaffected.

New aerial images of the Olympic Park site and previously unreleased digital images of the Aquatics Centre are available from the image library

'Durban Stadium ahead of time'

2008-07-03T16:24:40Z

Durban - Construction on Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium, which will host a 2010 World Cup semi-final, is running ahead of schedule, the city planner for Durban's World Cup projects has said.

"We are eight weeks ahead of schedule, the stadium is 65% complete," said Julie-May Ellingson, who is also responsible for the building of the city's new international airport.

The news is a welcome boost for South Africa's World Cup organizers in the wake of the news that Port Elizabeth's stadium won't be ready in time for the 2009 Confederations Cup and Fifa boss Joseph Blatter's comments that he has talked to three other countries about hosting the World Cup if South Africa is unable to host the event.

Tim Modise, Communications Director of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), said that they would be looking for answers from football's ruling body over the issue.

"Obviously the chairperson and the CEO of the LOC will seek clarity from the president (Blatter) on what he meant," Modise said.

"As matters stand no such discussions (on contingency plans) are taking place."

'For us it's clear'

Fifa spokesperson in Johannesburg, Delia Fischer, played down Blatter's remarks, saying South Africa would only lose the event in the case of a natural disaster.

"For us it's clear. The president clearly stressed in case of a natural disaster," she said. Fischer would not list contingency countries saying Fifa does not comment on contingency plans for security reasons.

Jerome Valcke, Fifa general-secretary during an inspection visit to South Africa this week, had indicated "the level of comfort is good enough," Modise said, rejecting that the LOC was operating under a sword of Damocles.

The fact that the LOC board had taken the decision this week to drop Port Elizabeth from the Confederations Cup in 2009 because of concerns over its readiness "shows how seriously we take the tournament" and had bolstered Valcke's confidence.

"The LOC on behalf of South Africa is continuing to prepare for the World Cup in 2010 starting with the Confederations Cup."

'Designs unveiled for 2012 canoe / kayak slalom venue'

2008-07-03T16:24:40Z

The designs for the world-class White Water Canoe Centre to be used during the London 2012 Games and leave major sporting and leisure attraction in legacy were unveiled by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) today.
The new images were released as the planning application process for the venue gets underway.

The White Water Canoe Centre will be built in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire to host the canoe / kayak slalom events during the Olympic Games in 2012. After the Games, the venue will be developed to become a sporting and leisure facility for canoeing and white-water rafting, as well as a major competition venue for elite events. The Centre will be owned and managed by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, who own the land.

The planning application process for the White Water Canoe Centre is now underway following public consultation with local residents on the venue plans earlier this year. The venue planning application outlines images and details for:

    * An international standard Canoe / Kayak Slalom Course – an Olympic standard 300m course, with a warm-up course and finish lake. A new artificial water body will be constructed and the white-water will be created through a system of pumps
    * New parklands - the canoe course will be located within a wider parkland setting designed by leading landscape architects Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA). The landscaping works will include path and bridge networks throughout the venue to facilitate spectator access and viewing
    * A new facility building – designed by architects FaulknerBrowns and containing a reception, café, changing rooms, shop, offices, spectator viewing facilities, equipment storage and water pump/filtration facilities

David Higgins, ODA Chief Executive said: 'With the planning process underway we are firmly on-track to deliver the new world-class facilities at Broxbourne in good time for the Games. These plans have been created by leading architects and landscape designers and will help us deliver first-class facilities for the world’s best athletes in 2012 and leave the lasting legacy of a major leisure attraction for Broxbourne and the East of England region for many years to come.'

Chairman of the London Organising Committee Sebastian Coe said: 'Broxbourne will provide a world class venue for Games time and an excellent facility for elite athlete and community usage after the Games, living up to our promise of leaving a lasting legacy for sport. We look forward to seeing this exciting venue taking shape.'

Shaun Dawson, Chief Executive of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority said: 'We are delighted that a part of London 2012 is coming to Broxbourne. This is great news for the local area, the Eastern region and also for the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, which is proud to be involved in the development of this world class sporting facility. This site in the River Lee Country Park will be a fantastic venue for the White Water Canoe Centre. And beyond 2012, we are committed to delivering a major sporting and leisure attraction for this area – a true and lasting Olympic legacy.'

Richard Ellis, East of England Development Agency (EEDA) chair, said: 'The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) has worked closely with the Olympic Delivery Authority, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and Sport England East to ensure that the plans for this site go beyond the requirements of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. EEDA’s aim is to secure a lasting legacy from the Broxbourne site, the benefits of which will be a major boost for local communities and businesses in the region for years to come.'

Chris Matthews from landscape architects, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA), said: 'We were thrilled to be involved in the landscaping design of this venue which presented the unique challenge of creating a mountain-stream environment in an existing flat landscape. Like the 2012 Games themselves, our designs for the venue go beyond sport - our vision was to create not only a world-class sports venue for 2012 and beyond, but also an exciting new park landscape, creating new wildlife habitats and becoming a visitors’ attraction in its own right. The new landscape will help encourage activity and interaction throughout the site, creating a vibrant new amenity for generations to come.'

Michael Hall from FaulknerBrowns Architects said: 'We are delighted to have been involved in the design of this world-class venue for the 2012 Games and legacy. The challenge has been to create a modern white water facility with its requirement for exciting but consistent high flows of water in a flat landscape. We have worked closely with landscape architects MVVA and engineers Cundall to create that all too rare fusion of landscape, engineering and architecture. Our designs for the venue facilities building have been conceived as a simple timber form which appears to float in the landscape from distant views. On approach, a masonry structure forms the entrance level which grows out of the landscape. This simple base contains the wet related facilities and is orientated to the boat launch area. At first floor the external timber decked terrace wraps up to form the indoor accommodation including cafe and offices and frames fantastic views over the course and wider landscape.'

The Broxbourne White Water Canoe Centre will be built on what is currently the overflow car park for the Showground site of the River Lee Country Park, between Waltham Cross and Theobalds Grove stations.

The contract for construction companies to build the new venue and facilities is currently out to tender and is expected to be awarded in early 2009, with works starting in Spring 2009.

The venue is due to be completed for Games training and testing in 2010-11. During the Games, temporary seating will be installed around the venue for 12,000 spectators. After the Games, the spectator seating will be removed, and the venue will be developed into the Broxbourne White Water Canoe Centre, creating a major leisure attraction for canoeing and white water rafting as well as a venue for future international competition.

For further information please contact:

The Olympic Delivery Authority Press Office on +44 (0)203 2012 700.