Eton Dorney

Eton Dorney is a world-class rowing venue situated 40 km outside London at Dorney Lake. This venue had previously hosted the Rowing World Championship in 2006 and gathered praises from both the competitors and spectators. Hence, this venue had to be included in the London 2012 Games. It will host the rowing events which includes Paralympic Rowing and Canoe Spirit for the 2012 Olympics. Eton Dorney, constructed to cater the international standards, consists of 2,200 meters with eight-lane rowing course rendered with a separate return lane. In order to make the venue more comfortable and convenient for the athletes and spectators, the existing facilities have been enhanced. This is done to cater the athlete's warm-up and also support Canoe Sprint activities during London Olympics 2012. A new 50m-span bridge was installed over a broad entrance to the return lake for the convenience of the pedestrians and the vehicles.

Fast Facts

Sports Events Rowing, Paralympic Rowing, Canoe Sprint
Location Near Windsor Castle, around 25 miles west of London
New Or Existing Existing but new enhancements
Permanent or Temporary Permanent
Number of Events 30 Events

Eton Dorney 2012 London Olympics
Eton Dorney Centre owned and financed by Eton College, started its construction works in the year 1996 with the final touches given to it in 2006. This venue was initially built for the Eton pupils and later acquired such great heights that it was used for World Rowing Championships. To make this still-water rowing lake even more commodious for the Games, the roadway has been improved and two bridges are now constructed on the island in between the main and return lakes. Geographically speaking, it lies 28 miles towards the west of London.This venue has the capacity to accommodate around 30,000 spectators every day and correspondingly arrangements are made for staff and volunteers. The lake acquired International Federation of Rowing Associations (FISA), which made it a world class rowing venue today. The water in the lake gets filtered after it passes through the natural gravel. Special care has been employed to ensure that the surroundings and the lake are maintained well and environmentally clean.

During The Game
In the London Olympics 2012 Eton Dorney will hosts games like Rowing, Paralympic Rowing and Canoe Sprint. In addition to this, the venue will also stage dragon boating, running, triathlon, open water swimming and also roller-skiing activities. The enhanced version of Eton Dorney includes providing facilities like warm-up for athletes and Canoe Sprint. The Dorney Lake, set in 450 acres of parkland includes a Nature Conservation area and an Arboretum as well.During this time, there will be shuttle services from the corresponding stations to the venue's transport mall. Also, the mall will be located at Windsor Racecourse which accounts to a short walk from the venue which is across a temporarily built bridge over River Thames.

After The Game
After London Olympics, 2012, Eton Dorney will in the future provide facilities for world class training as well as competitions. It has been involved in the training facilities to the National teams, clubs, universities and also the Army.

Transportation Facilities
During this time, there will be shuttle services from the corresponding stations to the venue's transport mall. Also, the mall is closely located to Windsor Racecourse which accounts to a short walk from the venue which is across a temporarily built bridge over River Thames.

Some Interesting Facts About Eton Dorney

Dorney lake is considered to be a modern and exceptional centre for rowing and flat water canoeing activities. This spectacular setup provides a great experience for the competitors and the numerous spectators gathered here. The specialty of this venue is that it follows a long rowing tradition, which is regarded to be the best in Europe.