The frame is covered with stretched white material which will be used for light projections during the Games - in a similar way to the Beijing 2008 "Water Cube". Although it is a temporary structure, it is one of the most eye-catching venues of London 2012 and shares a 'backstage' area with the Velodrome and BMX Track.
- London
- London Features
- London Olympics
- Olympic Venues in Pictures
-
Basketball Arena In Pictures
Basketball Arena In Pictures
One of the largest-ever temporary venues built for any Olympics, the 12,000-capacity Basketball Arena is the third-largest venue in the Olympic Park and will host events every day of the Games.
Under construction
From an aerial perspective
Specialising in aerial photography since 1991, Jason Hawkes has produced over 40 aerial photographic books for the likes of the BBC, Random House and Harper Collins. Taking to the sky in a helicopter, he snapped this impressive photo of the Basketball Arena, amongst other pictures of Olympic venues.
Sporting events
Olympic Events
Basketball - 27th July-7th August
Handball - 8th-12th August
Paralympic Events
Wheelchair Basketball - 30th August-8th September
Wheelchair Rugby - 5th-9th September
Nearby Food and Drink
The Olympic Stadium is located within the Olympic Park, Stratford. Even though the park isn't located within central London, there are numerous restaurants and bar venues nearby:
Restaurants
- 7 minute walk
- Best of British menu devised by Lloyd Hardwick
- Bethnal Green - 2 tube stops from Stratford, via the Central line
- Minimalist warehouse chic restaurant with a great brunch menu
- 20 minute walk
- An east-end style gastropub with a traditional and affordable menu
Nightlife/Pubs
- 24 minute walk
- Large pub garden, jukebox and laidback atmosphere
- London Fields station - 1 stop from Stratford, via National Rail
- Large garden and extensive beer menu, with traditional bitters and run-of-the-mill lagers
Westfield Stratford City Shopping Centre
- 10 minute walk
- This 1.9 million square foot shopping mall has been billed as the 'gateway' to London's Olympic Park. With 300 high street shops, 50 or so restaurants, a 14-screen cinema, a bowling alley and the UK's largest casino, it's an impressive entertainment venue that's located just minutes away from the Olympic Park.
Shopping
- Mile End Tube - 1 stop from Stratford, via London Overground
- Situated on the oldest known trade route in Britain, this market offers crafts, antiques, food, clothing and more
Entertainment
- Hackney Central - 1 stop from Stratford, via London Overground
- Seven-screen cinema with three bars - including Hackney Attic which hosts music and comedy evenings
- 18 minute walk
- 450-seat theatre that showcases new writing and ethnically diverse plays
Leisure
- 7 minute walk
- A flat, almost continuous and straight traffic-free walking and cycling route that carves through East London at a high level
- 10 minute walk
- Bowling alley located within Westfield Stratford Centre
- Mile End Tube - 1 stop from Stratford, via the Central Line
- The city's first public park boasts picturesque lakes and an Old English Garde
Travel
There are numerous options when travelling to the Olympic Park. Driving is not advised due to high levels of traffic and restricted parking - limited, pre-booked parking will be available for disabled spectators. Public transport options include:
Javelin
Delivering passengers from St Pancras to Stratford International in just seven minutes, the Olympic Javelin high-speed train shuttle service will take up to an estimated 25,000 travellers per hour.
Overground Stations
National Rail, Docklands Light Railway and London Overground will run trains to the following stations:
London Underground
Walking and Cycling
Greenway walking and cycling routes will connect the Olympic Park with numerous locations - including Victoria Path, Lee Valley North and Epping Forest. The walking routes are step free and there will be free cycle parking provided at the Eton Manor Transport Hub, Greenway Transport Hub and Victoria Park.
Time lapse video
Film courtesy of London 2012.
IN THIS ARTICLE
-
The venue
-
Under construction
-
From an aerial perspective
-
Sporting events
-
Nearby Food and Drink
-
-
Travel
-
Time lapse video
RELATED ARTICLES
-
London Olympics
-
-
Olympics Day by Day Guide
-
London Olympic Map
-
London Olympic Venues
-
London 2012 Events
-
Olympic Venues From The Air
-
Olympic Venues in Pictures
-
-
The ArcelorMittal Orbit in Pictures
-
Olympic Stadium In Pictures
-
Basketball Arena In Pictures
-
Velodrome In Pictures
-
Aquatics Centre In Pictures
-
Water Polo Arena In Pictures
-
Copper Box Handball Arena in Pictures
-
Riverbank Hockey Arena In Pictures
-
BMX Track In Pictures
-
Eton Manor In Pictures
-
Hyde Park In Pictures
-
Horse Guards Parade in Pictures
-
The Mall in Pictures
-
North Greenwich Arena in Pictures
-
Greenwich Park In Pictures
-
Royal Artillery Barracks in Pictures
-
Earls Court Exhibition Centre in Pictures
-
Lord's Cricket Ground in Pictures
-
ExCeL Exhibition Centre In Pictures
-
Wembley Stadium & Arena In Pictures
-
Hampton Court Palace in Pictures
-
Lee Valley White Water Centre In Pictures
-
Hadleigh Farm in Pictures
-
Weymouth and Portland in Pictures
-
Stadia around the UK in Pictures
-
The ArcelorMittal Orbit in Pictures
-
What's On Where
-
Where to Watch Olympics
-
What's on in London during the Games
-
London Olympics for Free
-
London Olympics Travel
-
London Olympic Javelin
-
Thames Cable Car
-
Cultural Olympiad
-
More Olympic Features
-
Olympic National Hospitality Houses
-
London hotels in August
-
London Paralympics
-
Wimbledon All England Club In Pictures
-
Olympics Day by Day Guide
From cheap budget hotels to luxury 5 star hotels see our discounts for hotels, including from 0% off.