Wembley Arena started the ball rolling in 1934. It is an acclaimed venue for live music and sports, located in north-west London, approximately 10km from central London. It is besides the Wembley Stadium. At the London 2012 Olympic Games, Wembley Arena will unfurl the Badminton and Rhythmic Gymnastics events. The test events of Badminton World Championships in August 2011 had been very successful at Wembley Arena. During the Olympic Games, it will have a sitting arrangement of 6,000 spectators. It also hosted the 1948 Olympics and endless music events such as Dolly Parton, The Who, Kings of Leon, The Beatles and Rolling Stones, Prince, Madonna, David Bowie, Elbow, The Killers, and Stevie Wonder, etc and family events such as Walking With Dinosaurs and Comedians such as Eddie Izzard, Lee Evans, Michael McIntyre to name a few. Apart from vivid music shows, it is also a distinguished venue for hosting sports events such as Masters Snooker, ice skating, TNA Wrestling, boxing, International Strongman Championships and the Premier League Darts final.
Fast Facts
Sport Events Badminton and Rhythmic Gymnastics
Location Wembley Arena is located in northwestern part of London, approximately six miles from the city centre. It is besides Wembley Stadium.
New or Existing Existing
Permanent or Temporary Permanent
Number of Events to be Hosted 7 Events
Wembley Arena - The Construction
Along with the Wembley Stadium, Wembley Arena was also modified as part of the reconstruction and restoration of the entire Wembley area. The cost of this renovation was around £35m and the new arena came into the public view on 2 April 2006. The first concert after its renovation was performed by Depeche Mode.
During The Games
The games will be held from 28 July 2012 till 12 August 2012.
Badminton
Badminton - A favourite game, not just for Olympic players, but also for every other household. Though it was invented by British, it has become very popular among Asian countries.
Fast Facts
Location Wembley Arena
Dates 28 July 2012 - 5 August 2012
Medal Events 5
Athletes 172
At London 2012, Wembley Arena will showcase five medal events such as men's and women's Singles, men's and women's Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. In the initial stage, the players will be split into groups, and each player and doubles pair will play everyone else in their group. The outstanding players and doubles pairs (16 in each Singles event, 8 pairs in each Doubles event) will reach the knockout stage of the competition, which will finally decide the winners of the medals!
Rhythmic Gymnastics
Rhythmic Gymnastics competition will add elegance and style to Wembley Arena during the London 2012 Olympic Games. These events will take place for four days.
Fast Facts
Location Wembley Arena
Dates 9 August 2012 - 12 August 2012
Medal Events 2
Athletes only women
Rhythmic Gymnastics is as old as 19th century, nevertheless, as refreshing as 21st century! It has been gradually adapted from classical ballet, German muscle-building techniques and Swedish exercise systems. It is a rare blend of sports and art and bestows a majestic view to its spectators! The competitors will use six ironing boards and irons during the Rhythmic Gymnastics competition. At London 2012, 324 gymnasts will compete in 3 disciplines.
After The Games
The Arena will continue as a world-class music and sports venue after the Olympics 2012 are over.
How To Reach The Venue
As Wembley Arena is linked with three stations and five rail lines, it will be easy to reach from central London by London Underground and from the north and north-west by National Rail and London Overground. Transport staff and volunteers will assist the spectators with proper signs and directions. Avoid travelling by car as no public parking will be available during the Olympic Games. Though spectators need to plan their journey beforehand, they need to keep in touch with the last minute changes. Staff assistance will be provided at the step-free Wembley Park London Underground and Wembley Stadium National Rail stations. Local bus services will be available for spectators. Buses will have low floors with audiovisual information. One wheelchair space will be available for each bus.
Some Interesting Facts About Wembley Arena
This article presents a concise write-up on Wembley Arena, a flagship live music and sport venue, which will host the games of Badminton and Rhythmic gymnastics during London Olympics 2012.
Wembley Arena
- Wembley Arena was constructed by Arthur Elvin for 1934 Empire Games. Initially it was named as “Empire Pool” as it consisted of a swimming pool inside!
- Wembley Arena is London's second largest indoor arena after The O2 arena and third largest indoor concert venue after the O2 and Earls Court. Every year, it hosts a number of concerts by the world's most famous artists and musicians.
- A "Square of Fame" area has been created in front of the arena in 2006, just like the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
In 2009, Wembley Arena celebrated its Golden Jubilee of live music! Till now, it has catered to over 48 million visitors and still going strong! With modern amenities and efficient travel links it is a classic avenue for its spectators. Soon, you will enjoy the thrilling action of Badminton and artistry of Rhythmic Gymnastics! Let the countdown begin.