London 2012 Olympic Stadium Finished

The Olympic Stadium that will host events such as the opening and closing ceremony for the London 2012 Olympic Games, has been completed in record time.

International inspectors laid the final piece of turf on the pitch, less than three years since building work began – the fastest time that an Olympic stadium has been completed.

Work began in May 2008, and the stadium has also come in £10m under budget.

However, although the stadium has been completed, London 2012 chairman Lord Coe stressed it was not yet ready to host the Games.

The surface of the running track will be laid later this year, so it is not damaged by heavy cranes used to install equipment for the Games and its ceremonies.

Coe said: ‘We wouldn’t want anyone to run away with the idea that this stadium is ready to stage an Olympic track and field championship tomorrow. With one year and a few months to go, this is a great place to be’.

John Armitt, chairman of the ODA added: ‘The Olympic Stadium has been finished on time and under budget. To complete a complicated project such as this in less than three years is testament to the skill and professionalism of the UK construction industry’.

West Ham United will move into the Olympic Stadium, following the London 2012 Games.