Stadiums of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
A year after being postponed, the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games are scheduled to start on July 23 in Japan’s capital.
With the news that crowds won't be permitted due to a new state of emergency being declared in the Japanese capital, the event won't be the same spectacle we’re used to seeing at an Olympic Games. But still, the world’s best sports stars and teams are training hard and are sure to give it their all, and the anticipation is building as we count down the days until the action gets underway.
In all, 42 venues are being used in for the Olympics in Japan, 27 of which are in Tokyo, split between the two Olympic zones – the Heritage Zone and the Tokyo Bay Zone. The former contains venues that were used in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
Interestingly, Japan is the only country in Asia to hold the Summer Olympics twice. At the centre of the Heritage Zone and the Tokyo Bay Zone is the Olympic village. From a bird’s eye view, the two overlapping zones resemble the infinity symbol. Of the 42 venues being used in Japan, here is a look at five of the most prominent stadiums.
Olympic Stadium
From July 23, athletes from all over the world will converge on Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium for the opening ceremony of the delayed 2020 Games. Officially known as the Japan National Stadium, the site was the main stadium of the 1964 Summer Olympics; although the stadium has been completely rebuilt for the 2021 Games. The demolition of the old stadium was completed in 2015 and construction of the new 68,000-capacity venue began the following year.
However, the original design plans were scrapped, and the new stadium was not completed until 2019, when it held matches for the Rugby World Cup. The new design was created by renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Although the Olympics are just around the corner, there is still a little while to go. As we await the games, you might like to play sport-themed slot games at an online casino in NZ or Oz to get into the spirit.
Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium
The Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium, which has a capacity for 30,000 spectators, opened in 1986. It is used mostly for baseball games but does serve as a multipurpose stadium. Located in Fukushima City’s Azuma Sports Park, it will host baseball and softball at the Olympic games.
Tokyo Stadium
The multipurpose Tokyo Stadium, which is home to football teams FC Tokyo and Tokyo Verd, will be hosting football, rugby, and modern pentathlon (which consists of swimming, fencing, riding and laser-run) at this year’s Olympics. Also known as Ajinomoto Stadium, the 48,000-capacity venue opened in 2001. But it was not until 2013 that the athletics track was added. Artificial turf is now used over the athletics track when there are football matches held there.
The Oi Hockey Stadium
Specially built for the Tokyo 2020 games, the Oi Hockey Stadium’s construction was completed in June 2019. It is located in the Oi Central Seaside Park. The stadium is unquestionably one of the best multipurpose artificial turf stadiums in Japan. At the Summer Olympics, the venue will host hockey and have a capacity of 15,000.
Yoyogi National Stadium
The Yoyogi National Stadium, which can hold 10,200 spectators, was originally constructed for the 1964 games when it hosted basketball and aquatics. This year, the stadium will host handball. The Yoyogi National Stadium is an architectural marvel, which is particularly beloved for its suspension roof design. The stadium was designed by the world-famous architect Kenzo Tange, who was one of the twentieth century’s most significant architects. Throughout his life, he designed many major buildings that combine Japanese styles with modernism on five continents.
Looking Ahead
With Brisbane declared as the preferred candidate city for the Olympics in 2032, Australian’s and sporting fans from across the world can begin to get excited about the Australian stadiums that could be used for the games. A decision is expected to be made later this month to confirm the Queensland capital as the host.
