[Source: Glasgow 2018] The SSE Hydro will once again take centre stage next summer when it hosts the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships as part of the Glasgow 2018 European Championships.

When some of the best gymnasts in the world step up to show their remarkable talents as they aim to strike gold, this city landmark will continue its reputation for attracting the finest competitors and most exciting competitions in the sport.

As a venue for the 2015 World Gymnastics Championships and the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the stunning SSE Hydro has witnessed plenty of special sporting moments over the years and will be the place to be for gymnastics fans when the Championships are in full swing. You can make sure you’re there to see champions crowned by getting your tickets here.

Aside from its record of holding unforgettable sporting events, the SSE Hydro, which has provided a stage for some of the biggest stars of music, has also been recognised by Pollstar as the second busiest live entertainment arena in the world.

But, soon enough, the spotlight will be back on athletes’ show-stopping routines.

Glasgow 2018 sporting ambassador Max Whitlock will be looking to continue a fine record when he returns to Glasgow, after clinching first place in the pommel horse two years ago and a medal haul including three golds at 2014’s Commonwealth Games.

The same event also brought success for Brit Claudia Fragapane, who became the first Englishwoman to win four golds at a single Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

And Scotland's Dan Keatings was also on the podium, securing a gold and two silvers in front of a home crowd.

Away from the GB stars, the SSE Hydro has also been the location for incredible performances from athletes coming from further afield.

At the Worlds in 2015, Greece’s Eleftherios Petrounias wowed to come out on top in the men’s rings, while, among the other highlights, Romanian favourite Marian Dragulescu, a four-time world champion, took silver on the vault.

With just months to go until Glasgow 2018 gets underway, many of those hoping to write their name in the history books have already had their say on competing somewhere that those in the sport know so well.

Sporting ambassador Max said: “I’m really excited about Glasgow 2018 – it is always great to compete at a multi-sport event and I have always loved it here in Glasgow. The crowd is always amazing and give you that extra lift. It can make such a difference to your performance out there on the podium.

“I witnessed that first-hand during the 2014 Commonwealth Games and again at the World Championships the following year. So I have no doubt that Glasgow 2018 will be a huge success.”

Claudia also can’t wait to return to a venue that holds special memories.

She said: “The atmosphere was just breath-taking. There was a lot of pressure because everyone wanted us to do well. We wanted to do well and we knew we could do it so to get that massive roar from the crowd helped us with each performance. It will be amazing to go back to Glasgow – the city has such a special place in my heart.”

And Nile Wilson, who won team silver in the 2015 World Championships in Glasgow, added: “The SSE Hydro has hosted some of the greatest moments of my career. The home support really, really does make a difference. And obviously we’re now looking forward to next year’s European Championships and I’m really excited at the prospect of competing once again in Glasgow.”

A time-saving and eco-friendly option for making running tracks that are showing their age as good as new again is to have the synthetic surface professionally re-topped. This entails laying a new wear layer on top of the existing installation – so there is no need to excavate and dispose of the old material.

In its portfolio, Polytan has two re-topping products that can be installed on any existing surface: Rekortan M RT, the water-impermeable system coated in situ, and Spurtan WS RT, the structural system that is permeable to water. One is a PUR coating with strewn EPDM granules, the other a spray coating.

Running tracks with elastic synthetic surfaces such as we know them today have been the only acceptable surface for athletics events at elite level since the Olympic Games in Mexico in 1968. The functional qualities they provide for sport, such as energy enhancement and shock absorbency, mean they are now part and parcel of modern sports facilities – whether the running tracks are for schoolchildren, amateur or professional athletes.

Intensity of use and type of system determine the useful life

The useful life of a synthetic surface generally varies between 10 and 30 years, depending on the intensity of use and the type of system that is in-stalled. In principle, a surface that is coated or poured in situ (also called a solid synthetic surface) is much more hard-wearing and long-lasting than a structured surface (sometimes referred to as a spray coating or spray surface).

Since spray coatings have a thinner wear layer than products poured or coated in situ, they wear out much sooner due to the effect of spikes, for instance. In addition to abrasion, the running tracks harden over time and become brittle – an ageing process of synthetic floors that occurs relatively quickly in the case of prefabricated strips. Polytan's product range includes only synthetic surfaces that are installed in situ in liquid form, allowing them to be optimally adapted to the local circumstances.

The condition of the old surface is the decisive factor

Whether re-topping makes sense will depend on the condition of the existing running track. This is determined in a defined test procedure in which variables such as shock absorption and tensile strength are analysed alongside the evenness of the surface and the general condition of the substrate.

If the re-topped track is to be certified as meeting the requirements for inter-national competition laid down by the IAAF, the governing body of world athletics, the inspection is much more intensive than if the aim is merely to refresh the look of the track. For successful re-topping it is immaterial what method of construction was used for the initial installation, whether it was laid in situ or as prefabricated strips, or who the original manufacturer was: the cost of rehabilitation is determined only by its condition.

If the substrate is suitable for re-topping, the old surface is first cleaned thoroughly and any damaged areas are improved. The next stage is – if necessary – to adapt the existing sports equipment, such as the sandpit for the long jump, to the higher level of the future surface. The third and final stage is the actual re-topping process. This is when a new wear layer is laid seamlessly on the existing old surface, optionally as a PUR coating with strewn EPDM granules or as a spray coating. Once hardened, the rehabilitated running track can no longer be distinguished from a new installation. 

The Rekortan M RT (PUR coating) and Spurtan WS RT (spray coating) re-topping systems from Polytan can be used on tracks that are permeable to water as well as those that are impermeable. Both rehabilitation solutions have structured surfaces, are suitable for spikes and therefore offer the optimum base for professional applications.

For more information visit www.polytan.de

De Boer Middle East has won the contract to build a high-specification semi-permanent exhibition hall at King Abdullah Economic City located close to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

At 6,500 sq m useable space, the King Abdullah Exhibition Centre will be one of the largest temporary structures to be built in the region.

Sustainability is a key feature of the building, which has an expected life span in its current location of between five to ten years. Following this, it can be dismantled and reused in a new location, as exhibitions move to a permanent facility being built in the coming years.

Furthermore, specially insulated wall panels on the Delta Emperor structure will be added to reduce air conditioning requirements especially during the summer months, improving overall energy efficiency.

The semi-permanent structure, which has a 60 m x 90 m footprint, will house exhibition and meeting space of more than 6,500 sq m – larger than a football pitch. The turnkey venue combines the latest temporary structure technology combined with traditional building techniques to deliver the look and feel of a permanent building. The whole venue is designed with a high specification interior fit out encompassing adaptable conference rooms and retractable exhibition hall divides.

Another advantage of the De Boer temporary structure solution is rapid build-times with construction to be completed within two to three months instead of the usual one to two-year timeframe for permanent builds.

The hall will be centrally located in the King Abdullah Economic City project, situated 100 kilometers north of Jeddah. This newly planned city has injected around SR207 billion ($55 billion) into the local economy, with 260,000 apartments and 56,000 villas planned for completion by 2020. The King Abdullah Exhibition Centre is expected to be the centrepiece in the economic city and a draw for visitors to the region.

Commenting on the contract win, Edward Gallagher, De Boer Middle East’s Business Development Director, stated: “We’re delighted to be partnering with one of the most innovative, forward-thinking organisations and cities in the Middle East in delivering this exhibition centre project. As a result of choosing De Boer Middle East the city can expect to be delivering exhibitions and events by October – drawing thousands of people, driving tourism and bringing in revenue.

“With our continued developments in construction technology, De Boer can now deliver full, turnkey venues for any need, from temporary airport terminals to warehouses and sports facilities to exhibition venues in weeks instead of years. These are facilities that will last at least 10-15 years without any maintenance overhaul.

“In a growing, forward-thinking environment such as the Middle East where governments, developers and companies are continuing to invest, whether building new cities or just expanding their operations, we are seeing ever-increasing demand for our solutions as people realise it’s possible to have something akin to a permanent facility but in a fraction of the time,” Gallagher concluded.

With around 500 projects per year, De Boer also delivers the world’s largest temporary exhibition hall for the bi-annual Farnborough Airshow in the UK and installs temporary structures annually at the largest global trade fair – Bauma in Germany.

Source: De Boer Middle East

Populous, the global architecture and design practice, has completed work on the redevelopment of the Warner Stand at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London – the UK’s largest cricket ground and host of matches in the upcoming 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup and 2019 Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Venue owner Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)’s Assistant Secretary (Estates) Robert Ebdon said, “MCC is very proud of its history of commissioning individual stands and buildings at Lord’s, each with their own character. With their vision for the new Warner Stand, Populous has designed an architecturally distinctive and pioneering building which has enhanced the aesthetics of the ground while delivering world-class functionality.”

The new stand replaces the original 1950s Warner Stand, which was considered unfit for purpose. What was once one of the worst stands in world Cricket is now leading the way.

“It is a privilege for the practice to add to the wonderful heritage of the ‘Home of Cricket’,” said Philip Johnson, Populous Senior Principal and Project Lead.

“The new Warner Stand has been designed to complement the existing campus of buildings at Lord’s, providing excellent views of the action, world-class match control facilities, a number of bars, and a new restaurant with fantastic views overlooking the ground. Lord’s has a special place in the hearts of cricketers and fans, and this new stand will help cement its position as the finest cricket ground in the world.”

Located between the Grade II listed Pavilion and the Grand Stand, the new Warner Stand has been designed to deliver an enhanced spectator experience and a significant upgrade to facilities.

Views and accessibility have been improved while the time taken to travel between the seats and amenities has been decreased.

A new “futureproof” Match Control Suite exceeds ICC (International Cricket Council) and ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) standards.

The venue has 100 days on non-cricket events each year and income from these events will be boosted by revitalised hospitality facilities, including a restaurant, bars at all levels and catering outlets. The enlarged, 135-cover restaurant occupies features a glazed wall with impressive large sash windows along the side of the room facing the pitch, offering stunning views over Lord’s.

The project team included consulting engineers Arup and contractor BAM Construct Ltd, who selected a white, translucent insulating tensile fabric membrane from Tayo for the roof over the restaurant - the first use in Europe of this aerogel-coated fabric.

In addition to Tayo’s roof, other subcontracted elements included glazing from Fleetwood, in-situ concrete from GCL, precast concrete from Creagh of Northern Ireland, and staircases and glass balustrading from Structural Stairways.

The fabric roof is supported by American White Oak beams that form a series of structural ‘ribs’, which cantilever over the seating tier, radiating from the corner of the Ground in a form reminiscent of a spreading palm leaf. Rainwater runs back to the rear where it is collected at basement level and stored to flush lavatories.

In addition to rainwater recycling, a green roof over the rear part of the building and green walls on the garden facade, solar thermal and photovoltaic roof panels have been incorporated into the roof to generate hot water and electricity. Boreholes and ground source heat pumps are also an integral part of the energy system, making the heating and cooling system carbon neutral.

Populous will continue to work with MCC developing its masterplan for the venue as a whole. According to MCC, the overall redevelopment plan is scheduled to continue through to 2029 and will cost a total £180-200m.

The future development of the ground will further boost its ability to host non-cricket events, including a £42m new East Gate building including a multi-function hall scheduled for completion by 2024.

(Source: HOK) A new cultural landmark is in the works for Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Yas Arena will be the first multipurpose built arena in the city designed to accommodate a wide variety of sport and entertainment events. The facility’s dynamic form and illuminated lantern facade is intended to both complement and animate the expanding waterfront promenade at Yas Bay.HOK, a leader in International sport and entertainment design, is part of the WSP-led team responsible for delivering the design of Yas Arena, with support from Pascall+Watson. The team was engaged by Miral Asset Management, the entity responsible for the development of the broad southern part of Yas Island.  In addition to the architectural design of Yas Arena, HOK also designed the adjacent arena retail and dining destination along the boardwalk, forming a mixed-use anchor on the east end of Yas Bay.

“Our goal is to create an exceptional entertainment experience for fans and spectators,” said John Rhodes, a director of HOK’s Sports + Recreation + Entertainment practice. “Yas Arena will be the centrepiece of the development and serve as a destination on Yas Island.”

HOK designed Yas Arena to create an intimate, highly flexible and efficient venue with excellent acoustics that can be used year-round for a variety of sport and entertainment events.

“Our team knew the building needed to be smart, adaptable and technologically-advanced in order to efficiently transform for the wide variety of events the client wished to host,” added Rhodes. “This transformability will make Yas Arena one of the most sophisticated arenas in the world.”

The arena is designed to expand from an intimate 500-seat theatre to an 18,000-capacity venue, maximizing revenue and supporting a wide variety of events. This focus on flexibility carries over to premium and back-of-house spaces. The arena is designed to adapt to create the ideal user experience for a diverse set of events, including community gatherings, concerts, performances, sporting events, and meetings and conventions.

Premium spaces include a VIP lounge that can be transformed into a grand ballroom for events, hospitality boxes and unique terrace bars for receptions and parties.

Additional amenities, including food and beverage, will be located adjacent to the arena to create a linear street that stretches down the waterfront promenade. This outdoor concourse will create a festival-like atmosphere to generate year-round activity. The outdoor concourse will provide connectivity to the surrounding district on Yas Bay.

“The development of the UAE’s first 18,000 capacity-arena will place Yas Island among the leaders for performance and events venues.” said Jonathan Brown, development director of Miral Asset Management. “We’re proud to set a new benchmark in the industry as we provide visitors with even bigger and better events to enjoy—all of which will perfectly showcase Yas Island’s excellence and vivacity.”

Yas Island is a new multipurpose leisure, shopping and entertainment destination that includes a hotel cluster, the Yas Marina F1 circuit and a growing number of theme parks. Yas Arena will be located directly on the waterfront and serve as an anchor for the promenade that will feature more than 50 cafes and restaurants, 20 retail outlets, a recreational pier, two hotels and a beach club.

Tottenham Hotspur's new stadium partnership with the NFL has been described as a "visionary moment" by a director of the club.

With 61,559 seats, Spurs' new home will be largest capacity football club stadium in London and will feature a single-tier South Stand able to accommodate 17,500 spectators.

Expected to be complete for the beginning of the 2018-19 season, the multi-use stadium will include a fully retractable football pitch that can be replaced by a synthetic grass surface to be used for NFL games and other events.

The NFL signed a 10-year deal with the English Premier League club to use the stadium as its dedicated home for American football games in the UK.

Tottenham executive director Donna-Maria Cullen believes the NFL deal has improved standards in the design and technological aspects of the new facility.

Speaking at the Telegraph Business of Sport conference in London, Cullen said of the NFL partnership: "It was a visionary moment by Daniel [Levy, Tottenham chairman].

"One of the reasons we looked at the NFL was to create something different in Tottenham. You have to deliver more than a Premier League football club.

"The NFL will be a very different sport. But it has driven up standards in stadium. It's a whole new audience."

Construction of the new stadium means Tottenham will play their home games next season at Wembley.

On Thursday 16 March the UK’s sports industry is teaming up with the Department for International Trade (DIT) to take advantage of future global sporting events, taking the success and expertise of the London 2012 Games overseas.

DIT’s annual Global Sports Projects Conference, in London, offers UK companies advice and shared insight into working overseas on sporting projects, and gives tips on best practice, potential pitfalls and the support available.

The UK has long established a worldwide reputation for organising first-class sporting events across the country and overseas. These events have helped to boost economic growth and in 2015, the sport sector contributed £35 billion to the UK economy, increasing by 2.2 per cent since 2014.

International Trade Minister Mark Garnier said: “From Wimbledon to the Grand National, the United Kingdom is renowned for its love of sport and we can use our first-class expertise to help deliver of some of the world’s most exciting major sporting events.

“It’s an open goal for UK companies as there is a global demand for UK goods and services across the sporting world. My department is committed to helping businesses realise their exporting potential and we even want more companies to take full advantage of the opportunities that open up to them.”

The UK has a major sports legacy and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is widely recognised as one of the most successful Games in history. By 2020, it’s expected to have contributed between £28 billion and £41 billion to the UK economy.

Since 2012 the UK has successfully staged more than 70 major sporting events including the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and World Track Championships in 2016. The UK also hosted the most economically successful Rugby World Cup ever in 2015.

Last summer, DIT also directly helped over 40 companies secure business in excess of £150 million for Rio 2016. Looking ahead to future events, the UK has also secured the right to host over 20 Olympic and Paralympic events at European or World level, including 15 World and European Championships.

The Global Sports Projects Conference takes place at Plexal on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park where more than 140 businesses are expected to attend to hear about their exporting opportunities.

It’s a day of panel discussions, presentations and networking; with DIT offering specialist advice to helping UK companies export to their respective markets.

Businesses will be given expert help to capitalise on export opportunities for major sporting events like the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic & Paralympic Games and the growing football sector in China and India.

Las Vegas’ huge array of entertainment options has a new addition: a facility solely for esports tournaments and events.

Called “thE Arena”, it has been created in downtown Las Vegas at the Neonopolis by Millennial Esports Corp – a company that owns and operates some of the leading mobile apps in esports.

The 15,000-square foot studio and arena will be Nevada’s first permanent esports centre and is wired for live streaming and casting, hosting players and facilitating tournaments 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It will seat up to 500 people and feature a state-of-the-art main stage with built-in broadcast capacity and DJ booths.

Speaking to Host City ahead of thE Arena’s opening on March 3, Millennial Esports Corp CEO Alex Igelman said: “We are extremely excited to have been pioneers in the design, planning and construction of the first permanent esports facility in Nevada.”

The opening will be marked with a Millennial Esports Halo World Championship Open at the venue. Custom-made gaming stations will occupy centre stage with theatre-like seating and VIP areas. Audio and visual components include an LED video wall with advanced lighting and sound plus cinema projectors.

Three years in the making, Igelman explained how the venue concept was devised. “It was in November of 2014,” he said. “I still remember the day. I was meeting with my colleague Chad Larsson and one of the original investors.

“I told them the future of this industry was in Las Vegas and that we had to build an area and studio there. At first both of them were skeptical, but when I laid out the overall vision they both warmed up to the concept.

“The feedback from the esports community has been unbelievable. We have received many unsolicited emails congratulating and thanking us for building thE Arena from local, national and international esport fans and community members. We are truly overwhelmed by the response.”

In 2016 a report published by SuperData Research revealed that the global esports industry captured a record 213 million viewers and generated $892 million dollars in revenue.

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), the organisation responsible for delivering the stadiums and infrastructure required for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has announced the main contractor for the stadium being built in Doha’s Al Thumama district.

Qatari construction giant AlJaber Engineer LLC and leading Turkish construction firm, Tekfen Construction, were confirmed as joint-venture partners.

Arab Engineering Bureau, the oldest architectural and engineering consulting firm in Qatar, was confirmed in 2015 as the Design & Construction Supervision Consultant for the 40,000-seater stadium.

Al Thumama – a proposed venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar - is the seventh stadium for which the main construction contract has been awarded. The venue, located just minutes from Hamad International Airport and in the centre of the urban development of Qatar’s capital Doha, is scheduled for completion by 2020 and will host FIFA World Cup matches up to the quarter-final stage.

SC Secretary General, Hassan Al Thawadi, said: “We are delighted to award the main contract to AlJaber Engineering and Tekfen as a joint-venture. The stadium in Al Thumama is located in one of the most rapidly developing areas of Doha. Once ready, the stadium and its surrounding precinct will not only become one of the capital’s central sporting arenas, but will also serve the local community as a central community destination.

“I am confident that the signing of Al Jaber Engineering and Tekfen Construction, one of the leading construction companies in Turkey, will deliver an outstanding, legacy-oriented stadium for a historic tournament.”

The stadium is located in an area of 515,400 square metres that already comprises four outdoor training pitches and office facilities currently used by the Qatar Football Association Technical Committee. The stadium will have a reduced capacity of 20,000 seats in its post tournament legacy mode as part of the SC’s modular stadium legacy plans.

Eng. Hilal Al-Kuwari, technical delivery office chairman at the SC, said: “We’re pleased to bring together two firms as reputable as AlJaber and Tekfen to deliver such an important project for the SC and Qatar. The awarding of this contract represents another important project milestone, coming at a significant time as Qatar and the SC move beyond the half-way point in its World Cup journey. The appointment of a local company in this joint venture also demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the economic legacy for Qatar, post 2022.”

Construction began in Al Thumama in mid-2016, with TiME Qatar as the project managers. Most recently levelling and grading works were completed by Boom Construction. The stadium design will be launched in 2017.

In 2016, main works were awarded to Al Rayyan Stadium and Qatar Foundation Stadium and Lusail Stadium, which joined Khalifa International Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor City and Al Wakrah Stadium in construction main works stage. Ras Abu Aboud Stadium will award the main contract in the second quarter of 2017.

All contracts on the stadium in Al Thumama incorporate the SC’s Workers’ Welfare Standards. Contractual enforcement of these standards and a rigorous four-tier auditing system guarantees international best practice on the stadium.

Lee Valley Regional Park is a unique 10,000 acre destination for sport, leisure and nature, stretching 26 miles from the banks of the River Thames in east London into the counties Essex and Hertfordshire.

There are almost 7 million visits to the Regional Park each year, with people taking part in a variety of activities; from sport in inspirational world class venues to enjoying open spaces that are home to a variety of British wildlife.

The park, which is run by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, was created by a 1967 Act of Parliament for the “development, preservation and management for recreation, sport, entertainment and the enjoyment of leisure” for the people of London, Essex and Hertfordshire.

Large scale sports venues have always been part of the Regional Park and today the Authority owns three London 2012 Olympic venues. Two of these are located on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: Lee Valley VeloPark, which offers the four Olympic cycling disciplines; track in the iconic London 2012 velodrome, BMX on a modified version of the Olympic track, road on a one mile circuit and mountain biking on a set of graded trails; and Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre which has two state-of-the art hockey pitches and four indoor and six outdoor tennis courts. The third, Lee Valley White Water Centre is 10 miles north of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It staged the London 2012 Canoe Slalom competition and has two separate white water courses for training, rafting and paddling activities as well as cafes, viewing areas and meeting rooms.

The Authority raises 65 per cent of its £29 million gross budget from commercial and other operations while the remainder comes from a levy on households in London, Essex and Hertfordshire – around 88 pence per person annually. It has many years’ experience of running sports venues that are community focused and commercially driven, where comprehensive community programmes are run alongside income generating activities and elite competitions. This same business model has been adopted at its three London 2012 venues, which offer a range of events and programmes for all abilities.

“Our venues have brought some of the world’s top sporting events to London, providing great entertainment and excitement and allowing Londoners and sports fans from across the UK to experience the very best in sporting competition,” says Shaun Dawson, Chief Executive of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.

“The hosting of major international events is a central 2012 legacy objective which sees these venues continue to inspire future generations.”

Established venues that predate the Games include Lee Valley Riding Centre, which specialises in catering for disabled riders, children and a range of horse enthusiasts, and Lee Valley Ice Centre - one of the UK’s leading ice rinks which attracts 300,000 visits a year.

Hosting grassroots and elite

Since opening, the Authority’s three London 2012 venues have staged 17 top international level sporting events. They also hosted more than a quarter of the Every Road to Rio London events, which brought the world’s leading athletes to the capital.

In June 2015, eight times Olympic medallist Sir Bradley Wiggins broke the one hour world track record in Lee Valley VeloPark’s velodrome before a sell-out crowd of 6,000. In March 2016, the venue hosted the UCI Track Cycling World Championships and also regularly hosts the Revolution Series, Britain’s top commercial track cycling competition.

Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre has staged the Champions Trophy in June 2016 between the best 10 men’s and women’s teams. In 2015 it staged the Unibet EuroHockey Championships, which was the sport’s biggest event of the year.

In September 2015, Lee Valley White Water Centre was home to the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships, the largest international canoeing event outside of the Olympic Games.

These major events dovetail with extensive activities – more than 80% of programming - which is reserved for community, clubs and school groups, a key part of the Authority’s Olympic legacy drive. More than 5,000 children from over 400 schools from across London and further afield have enjoyed free paddling, tennis, hockey and cycling in these inspirational London 2012 venues thanks to the Authority’s Schools Festival outreach programme.

Events already secured for 2017 include Revolution Cycling Champions League, Six Day London and cycling events of the London Youth Games, Europe’s largest youth sports festival comprising 30 different sports. 

In June, Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre will stage the Men’s World Hockey League with some of the sport’s leading international men’s teams. In November it will host the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters for the fourth time, with the top eight seeded international men’s and women’s players playing for the title.