Rogge: 2012 Olympic Stadium Needs Tenant

International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge has urged the organising
committee for London 2012 to resolve the post-Games tenancy issue for the new
Olympic Stadium as soon as possible.

Rogge stressed that the IOC was ‘basically happy’ with the progress being
made in terms of preparations for London 2012 but highlighted the need for a
permanent tenant for the Olympic stadium to be found.

He stated: ‘That would be something that would please the IOC very much and
we are very keen on that. We know that Seb Coe and LOCOG are working very hard
to find a solution.’

The current plan is to reduce the stadium’s capacity from 80,000 to 25,000 in
2013 and use it as a multi-sport venue with athletics and community facilities
at its heart.

However that plan depends on a football or rugby club becoming a tenant to
subsidise the stadium. No such team has yet come forward, partially because the
post-2012 plans do not include a roof for the majority of the seats.

Rogge also stated that LOCOG must ensure it remains focused on delivering the
Games according to schedule.

‘We urge them to work as soon as possible and to prepare today for the
unforeseen of tomorrow.’