Water Polo has been played since the 19th century in rivers and lakes as an aquatic version of rugby. However, the version of the game that survives today is more of a Handball. This fast, tough and demanding sport has been featured in every Olympic since the Paris 1900 Games. The water polo arena for the London 2012 Olympics is said to be the most sophisticated and innovative till date. The 5,000-seat venue will host all the water Polo Games both men and women during the London 2012 Olympics. The lightweight venue has been designed to complement the adjacent Aquatics Centre. Olympic Delivery Authority Chief Executive David Higgins said, "The Water Polo Arena is a distinctive and dynamic addition to the entrance to the Olympic Park. Its innovative shape and lightweight structure will look great and work well for spectators and athletes alike, and it can be reused or recycled after the Games."
Fast Facts
Sport Events Water Polo
Location Southeast corner of the Olympic Park, next to the Olympic Stadium and adjacent to the Aquatics Centre
New or Existing Newly Built
Permanent or Temporary Temporary One
Number of Events 2 Events
Water Polo Arena 2012 London Olympics
Water Polo Arena-The Construction
Construction of the water polo arena started in spring 2011. A number of firms were involved in the construction of this temporary arena as the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) had announced. These included ES Group, an east London construction company, which was compelled to move to make way for London's 2012 Olympic Park. The company, set up its base in a different part of east London, built the arena's main structure, along four other British companies. The wedge-shaped arena, which rises from 12m to 25m, the venue features a 37m-long competition pool and also a warm-up pool. The arena's elegant, sloping roof is padded with PVC to aid insulation and keep out condensation; it will house a competition pool and a smaller warm-up pool.
During The Games
The Water Polo Arena will be hosting both the men's and women's Water Polo competitions during the London Olympic Games 2012. It has a warm-up pool and a competition pool. The Aquatics Centre and Water Polo Arena lie adjacent to each other in one of the most compact areas of the Olympic Park. In order to make the best possible use of the space available, back-of-house facilities, which includes space for broadcasters, catering and security will be shared between the two venues.
After The Games
Due to the fact that water polo isn't really one of Britain's top national sports, a temporary arena has been built, which can quite easily be disassembled. Elements of the venue are expected to be reused or relocated elsewhere in the UK.
How To Reach The Venue
There are three National Rail stations which will provide access to the Olympic Park.These are the Stratford station, which has direct train services from London and East Anglia, Stratford International station, with direct train services from London, Ebbsfleet Kent and West Ham station, which have direct trains from London and Essex. Bus services will also be available to get to the venue.
Fast, thrilling and 'not for the faint-hearted', the game of Water Polo will certainly offer plenty of action in the pool at London 2012 Olympics. The eco-friendly arena will certainly play its part in making the water polo events a delightful experience for the spectators.
Water polo arena 2012 London Olympics is perhaps the only elite sporting venue in the world to be built from recycled cushions. Read on to know more about the arena.