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Hosting the Olympics requires extensive preparation and construction, but what becomes of these venues once the games conclude? Some cities repurpose these structures, while others leave them abandoned. Discover the outcomes of 10 iconic Olympic venues from past games.
1. PANATHENAIC STADIUM
The Panathenaic Stadium, home to the first modern Olympics in 1896, boasts a rich history dating back to the 6th century BCE. Originally a racecourse, it was later transformed into a limestone stadium around 330 BCE and rebuilt in marble with a 50,000-seat capacity in 144 CE. Today, it remains the world's only stadium constructed entirely of marble.
2. BERLIN'S OLYMPIC VILLAGE
For the 1936 Olympics, Berlin constructed 145 buildings and the iconic Olympiastadion, which remains operational today after renovations. The Olympic Village served as military barracks until 1992, when the Soviet army vacated the area, leaving it deserted.
3. HELLINIKON OLYMPIC CANOE/KAYAK SLALOM CENTRE
Created for the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics, this watercourse has since deteriorated into a dry, overgrown wasteland. Greece's economic struggles have led to the abandonment of several other Olympic venues as well.
4. SARAJEVO OLYMPIC VILLAGE
The image above depicts the remnants of a hotel constructed for the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The region suffered greatly during the Bosnian War in the 1990s, leaving many Olympic venues in ruins.
5. THE STADE OLYMPIQUE YVES-DU-MANOIR
Also referred to as the Stade Olympique de Colombes, this stadium served as the primary venue for the 1924 Paris Summer Olympics and has since been used for football and rugby matches by French national teams.
6. OLYMPIC STADIUM AMSTERDAM
After hosting the 1928 Summer Olympics, Amsterdam's Olympic Stadium became a venue for various sports, including soccer and motorcycle racing. It underwent significant renovations in 1996 and continues to host sporting events regularly.
7. CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC STADIUM
After hosting the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Stadium underwent a transformation and was rebranded as Turner Field in 1997, becoming the Atlanta Braves' home. The renovation, completed in seven months, involved removing around 35,000 seats.
8. NIPPON BUDOKAN
Dennis Amith, Flickr // CC BY-NC 2.0
Constructed for martial arts competitions during the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics, the Nippon Budokan has since gained fame as a premier concert venue. Many rock legends have performed here, and the phrase 'Live at Budokan' has become a symbol of prestige, with numerous live albums recorded within its walls.
9. MONTREAL OLYMPIC STADIUM
With the largest seating capacity in Canada, Montreal Olympic Stadium served as the home of the Montreal Expos until their relocation in 2004. Today, it functions as a versatile venue hosting a variety of events, including sports.
10. ANTWERP'S OLYMPISCH STADION
Constructed as the primary venue for the 1920 Antwerp Summer Olympics, this stadium has undergone reductions in seating capacity over the years. It currently serves as the home ground for the KFCO Beerschot Wilrijk football club.
All images via Getty Images unless otherwise noted.
