London 2012 Olympics News
Hoteliers hike prices ahead of London 2012 Olympics
A number of hotels in London have been accused by tourism authorities of hiking room rates during next year’s Olympics, with one hotel found to charging five times the standard rate. The revelations come ahead of London 2012 tickets going on sale this Tuesday.
First giant Olympic Rings unveiled in London
The first set of giant Olympic Rings in London have been unveiled at St Pancras International station, kicking off the transformation of the capital into the Host City of the London 2012 Games. The Olympic Games is the crown jewel of the $600 billion sports tourism industry – celebrated each year by WSDE Sport Destination Expo.
Government endorse West Ham Olympic stadium bid
Both the British government and mayor of London have offered their support the Olympic Park Legacy Company’s recommendation of West Ham United as the preferred bidder for the long-term lease of the Stadium after the Games. West Ham were selected – as part of a jointed bid with the London Borough of Newham - by the OPLC in February after a hard fought campaign with rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Work begins on BMX track ahead of London 2012 Olympics
The start of work on the BMX Track marks the next stage in delivering world-class cycling facilities for the Games and beyond. After the Games the BMX Track will be situated along with the Velodrome, Mountain Bike Trails and a road-racing circuit for people of all ages and abilities – a new cycling hub for east London.
London 2012 Velodrome opens on time and on budget
The Olympic Delivery Authority has unveiled the completed London 2012 Olympic Velodrome – the first venue to be handed over. The Velodrome – which will host the cycling and BMX events during the Games – was completed on time and on schedule.
Creative masterminds behind 2012 Olympic Games closing ceremony revealed
Top British creatives have been appointed to produce the Closing Ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the London 2012 Organising Committee has announced. Leading choreographer and creative director Kim Gavin has been appointed Artistic Director for the Closing Ceremonies of both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Cruise ships on course for London dock
The Greater London Authority is set to offer its approval to plans for a new cruise terminal in Greenwich. Greenwich Council has already endorsed the proposals for the Enderby Wharf development which will provide a docking for cruise liners and the Thames Clipper.
Lights go on at Olympic Stadium
British prime minister David Cameron has turned on the London 2012 Olympic Stadium’s floodlights for the first time. The ceremony comes as work to install all spectator seats with in the Stadium is completed, meaning the venue remains on track to be ready more than a year ahead of the London 2012 Games.
Shortlist of potential investors in the Olympic Village announced
The shortlist of companies who will be invited to submit financial proposals for the purchase and long-term management of the London 2012 Olympic Village has been announced. After the Games the Village will provide 2,818 new homes for east London.
Athletes demand London 2012 legacy
A group of leading British athletes have written to authorities demanding the Olympic Stadium running track be kept in place after the London 2012 Olympic Games. Kelly Holmes and Daley Thompson are among the signatories of the letter, which argues keeping the track would “bring to life a sporting promise made to a whole community for generations to come”.
Royal Mint scoops 2012 Olympic contract
The Royal Mint has been selected to design and produce athletes’ medals for the 2012 London Olympics. Approximately 4,700 medals are expected to be handed out over the course of the games, which begin on July 27th 2012.
First London 2012 Olympic venue opens
Lee Valley White Water Centre has become the first London 2012 Olympic venue to be completed, with the Princess Royal officially unveiling it today. Costing some £31 million, the project was completed on schedule and will host the 2012 Olympic slalom canoe course.