Two years to go but much work ahead for Coe and Deighton
IN the weeks ahead we'll get used to these landmark Olympic dates. Two years to go, 500 days to go, one year to go, one month to go....the list goes on and on with each accompanied by some positive news and powerful imagery.
TWO YEARS TO GO: London's Olympic Park is taking shape. Aquatic centre in foreground with the Olympic Stadium almost complete in the background (Locog via Getty Images)
The last year has seen London 2012 continue to buck the recessionary trend by adding to their slate of sponsors - with the original revenue target now upscaled to £700 million.
They've assuaged concerns about travel times and relocated badminton and rhythmic gymnastics across the crowded capital to Wembley - saving £20 million.
They successfully launched their ticketing programme - with over 1.4 million now pre-registered, although later this year they must finally stop prevaricating on their pricing policy, having already announced a u-turn on their original plan for just under half of the ten million tickets available to be under £20.
Villa Park in Birmingham has been swiftly replaced by Coventry City's Ricoh Arena as one of the hosts of football events.
Equestrian events have got the go-ahead in the historic Greenwich Park - despite the best endeavours of the most vociferous and well-organised anti-Games lobby, NOGOE (No to Greenwich Olympic Equestrian Events), a residents pressure group.
In keeping with the best and the brightest mantra, Hollywood's Danny Boyle - the mastermind behind the Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire - has been brought on board to direct the opening ceremony, while Stella McCartney will design the British kit.
Even the unveiling of Wenlock and Mandeville, the Olympic and Paralympic mascots, passed largely free of too much negativity.
Meanwhile, over at Olympic Park, the progress has been startling. The east London skyline has been changed forever - and just wait until the Orbit is in place - and organisers Locog expect to start hosting test events in all the major venues next year.
But it's not all been good news.
Working...
Comments
Interesting piece and
Interesting piece and amazing how the powers that be have avoided any flak over the massive budget overrun on their initial promise. London taxpayers will be paying for this for years. However, I'm still broadly supportive but like the other commenter and author I'm very worried about the ticketing. How hard will it be to get tix for the good events and how much will it costs and how many will go to corporate hospitality. They are not the only ones paying for it, so will I as a London resident for many years to come
Agreed. It is easy to get
Agreed. It is easy to get carried away with these landmarks but there is still a job in hand. My personal worry is tickets, just how hard are they going to hit the cash-strapped public? The sooner we know the better. Stop dilly-dallying!
Post new comment