Long-term Deal Secures Olympic Stadium Legacy
A new long-term agreement will see athletics return to the Olympic Stadium annually for the next 50 years, with UK Athletics set to take over the arena for one month a year to host a wide spectrum of key athletics events ranging from regional and national age group championships through to elite international events.
The agreement will also provide year-round training facilities for local athletes and clubs at an adjacent community track delivering a lasting athletics legacy in east London.
Under the agreement between the E20 Stadium LLP (the Partnership set up between London Legacy Development Corporation and the London Borough of Newham to manage the Stadium) and UK Athletics, announced within a year of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Stadium will become the new national centre for athletics.
UKA will have priority use of the Stadium from the last Friday in June to the end of July each year under a 50 year agreement, starting from 2016 when the stadium will be fully operational following its legacy transformation.
With Barclays Premier League side West Ham already confirmed as anchor tenants on a 99-year lease, which begins in time for the 2015/16 football season, the agreement with UKA now means the stadium will be busy for the majority of the year
There will also be a permanent community track with dedicated facilities adjacent to the main Stadium available for use by the local community and clubs as part of the ongoing commitment to a lasting athletics legacy in east London.
UK Athletics will hold its annual London Diamond League meetings, alongside a whole spectrum of national level and age group championships.
In 2017 the stadium will host the IAAF World Athletics Championships and IPC Athletics World Championships – the first time these prestigious global events have been staged in the same venue in the same year.
As part of its multi-use legacy the Stadium will also host five matches during the 2015 Rugby World Cup and will also be used for other sporting, cultural (including concerts) and community events.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s sold-out Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games taking place at the Stadium this weekend, London Legacy Development Corporation Chief Executive Dennis Hone said: ‘Today’s deal is great news for athletics fans and great news for the David Weirs, Jessica Ennis-Hills and Perri Shakes-Draytons of tomorrow.’
‘Tens of thousands will enjoy watching top class athletics each year here in east London. But crucially the deal means that the stars of tomorrow can train and compete in this iconic Stadium and help inspire the youngsters of the East End of London to reach their full potential.’
