U.K. and Ireland - London Olympic Venue Info & Tips

Thought I'd start a thread specifically for those who have attended or are about to attend an event and want a bit of inside info.

I've just been to the North Greenwich Arena ie, the Millennium Dome or O2 Arena. Virtually all mention of the O2 has gone from the venue!

Had tickets to the first session this morning, Men's Artistic Qual 1. Had no idea which teams were in as I only bought the tix last week.

Session started at 11am. Left home at 9, stopped and got some sandwiches from M&S. Arrived at departure station 9.30. Jubilee line busy. My carriage was full off new arrivals with big suitcases!! Managed to get out somehow. Arrived North Greenwich 9.34 :D As we got out we heard a couple ask how to get to the Equestrian. Opps! Not a bad walk if you have the time!!

There is a security check before you get into the Dome. Very quick with lots of gates. However I did notice as we were leaving the 2nd session had longer queues - I'm guessing they were held until the 1st session exited. Once in the Dome you can shop and eat at Entertainment Walk. However just like a normal event at the Dome, they won't let you take the drinks into the arena zone. There is another bag check and the only ticket scan. No probs re sandwiches and empty water bottles.

Getting in we asked were the water fountains were. There are none. :mad: You can fill up in the loo if you like we were told, or buy a bottle for £1.60 from outlets, stands and vending machines. Don't recall vending machines there before.

A variety of food, like burritios, chinese and nachos, but averaging around £8 to £9 I'm glad I brought in my £1.25 M&S sarnie! (Yes I know it's "event pricing, but I never buy food at a cinema for the same reason - rip off!!)

We got to our seats at 10am and there was plenty of entertainment on the big screen, including clips explaining the rules of the games. Just before 11 they had "Sparts" section (Ab fab anyone?) where they gymnasts perform to music.

Then the teams came out. Two mixed groups of individual competitors, France, South Korea, China and... Team GB! :cool: Well, that made my day as I had no idea who was in.

There were 6 rotations of Floor, Parralell bars, Vault, Pommel Horse, Rings, and Single Bar. This took around 2 hours to go through, with Team GB doing the Horse last and Louis Smith getting very emotional after his excellent round.

As the event ended, Seb Coe appears on screen wishing everyone a safe onward journey, and a number of other stars etc come on doing the same.

Exiting the arena, depending on your seat, you are made to walk outside and round the arena, not inside Entertainment Ave to get out.

We had our sarnie by the Emirates Airlink and by the time we got back to the station, we walked straight in and onto a tube.

Despite it not being in Olympic Park there is a superb atmosphere there, the best I've experirenced at the O2! The volunteers are ever so friendly and smiley (it is day one I suppose!!) and even after the event every is in a really good mood.

My next event is at the Excel center so would like to hear from anyone that's been there! Will be going to the Olympic Park, not til the Paralympics.

Hi all,

London has not been too insane today, much to my surprise.

The train in from Peterborough was very busy at 7am, but Kings Cross was pretty mellow at 8am. We used the Northern line to London Bridge and Picadilly Line from Picadilly Circus to Earls Court...much lighter traffic than expected.

Clearing security was painless - plenty of lanes set up.

Exiting was no problem - the Tube station is right there or you can walk up Warwick Rd and catch a bus near the Tesco.

:)

For those visiting Olympic Park*, this blog has lots of good tips, including which gate to use, how much walking you can expect, and what the food and drink prices are like:
http://diamondgeezer.blogspot.co.uk/2012_07_01_archive.html#2376563158456475245

* the seem to have taken to referring to it on TV without the definite article, so I'm trying to get into the habit too.

I have heard that food and water have been an issue at the equestrian venue. There are water fountains but apparently pressure is very low and queues very long. Food ran out very early yesterday

Just got back from the basketball. A heavy but not unexpected defeat for Team GB against Russia followed by a much higher tempo game between Lithuania and Argentina. Particularly good atmosphere at the second game with both sets of supporters making plenty of noise.

Tips


The basketball arena seemed to have pretty good views from most seats. The food and drink choice is better in the main park. Don't expect to get into your session more than an hour before the game starts.
Bring rain gear. There aren't loads of places to hides from showers. The souvenir shop was selling umbrellas and ponchos
Water fountains - there seemed to be lots of them with few queues
Food stalls - some of them were struggling e.g the hog roast stand temporarily ran out of hog. The pie and mash stand had about six choices listed but when we were queuing next door they only had beef available
Take some plastic to sit on as there's a good outdoor area to watch events on a big screen
Take a walk along the river/canal. The wild flowers are really impressive and the bridges offer some of the best cover from the rain
Check the toilet signs before you go in. A couple were a bit confusing
The lack of cover from the rain will also apply if the sun ever comes out so take sun block
Westfield tip - the food hall in the main centre was heaving but the outdoor restaurants had no queues at about 1145-1200. We went to Jamie's Italian which had plenty of choice and fast service

Take some plastic to sit on as there's a good outdoor area to watch events on a big screenBA, who are sponsoring the big screen, were handing out Union Jack plastic mats on Saturday - though it's likely they'll run out during the day.

BA, who are sponsoring the big screen, were handing out Union Jack plastic mats on Saturday - though it's likely they'll run out during the day.

They would have been good and might have given us something to wave at the basketball. The megastore only gets restocked overnight and union jacks were in short supply. Going back next week so I'll find something in advance for then.

I have tickets coming up for Earls Court and North Greenwich basketball and I'm wondering which is the better area to stay in. Paddington or Buckingham Gate (two hotels where I have award reservations for)? I know Buckingham Gate is closer to everything, but which is the most fun area to stay in?

I have tickets coming up for Earls Court and North Greenwich basketball and I'm wondering which is the better area to stay in. Paddington or Buckingham Gate (two hotels where I have award reservations for)? I know Buckingham Gate is closer to everything, but which is the most fun area to stay in?

I'd go with Buckingham Gate. :)

I have tickets coming up for Earls Court and North Greenwich basketball and I'm wondering which is the better area to stay in. Paddington or Buckingham Gate (two hotels where I have award reservations for)? I know Buckingham Gate is closer to everything, but which is the most fun area to stay in?

Depends on what part of Paddington and if you like a lively, colourful nightlife. Edgware Rd is home to London's middle-eastern community and at night people are sitting outside smoking their shisha pipes and engaging in conversations late into the night.

Hello from BT Live in Hyde Park!

We used the Javelin train from St Pancras to Stratford ... very painless and took 6 minutes! Depending on where you're headed from I suspect it's faster than the Tube.

We will see how Wembley is tonight!

:)

Depends on what part of Paddington and if you like a lively, colourful nightlife. Edgware Rd is home to London's middle-eastern community and at night people are sitting outside smoking their shisha pipes and engaging in conversations late into the night.

Thanks. I should have said I know these areas well, but I'm wondering how they are going to be next week with the games and festivities. Same as normal? Anything special going on near Paddington station or Buckingham Gate?

Having been in the Olympic Park on Sunday
1. Wear comfortable shoes for walking. The Park is big. Really big.
2. Bring waterproofs. There isn't much undercover space
3. There are plenty of food outlets and the prices aren't that bad compared to other major sporting or music events - but the queues are very long and some places were running out of food. Hopefully this was only and early teething problem and they'll improve things.
4. Only take a small bag. It will make security easier and there isn't much room around your seat
5. Ask one of the purple shirted Games Makers if you have any questions. They are all volunteers and are doing a fantastic job.

Went to the Olympic Park today (shame about the weather).

Travelled this morning at rush hour, but no problem on the train from Liverpool Street to Stratford. Was through security in less than ten minutes. The military look good in uniform and seem very cheerful! Better than a G4S jobsworth no doubt ;) No queues to speak of to get in to the Water Polo Arena (which very class to the Stratford entrance), but I did get to my seat about 40 minutes before the start of the first match. Plenty of people left it to the last minute to get to their seats.

It is worth noting that the Water Polo Arena and Aquatics Centre are kept very warm (28C) so dress in layers. Even though it was raining outside and rather blustery today, I was in a T-shirt inside. So if you are going, be prepared. You will probably want some water too. Took my own sandwiches, fruit, biscuits and an empty water bottle, so didn't try out the catering on site.

Their are volunteers and stewards everywhere and all really helpful (a friend is working there a says they've had lots of training in making sure they are cheerful!). The park is very large and well worth pottering around (I second the comfortable footwear comment above). Even in today's drizzle it was worth it. Plenty of spots to take pictures of the venues (the velodrome is very photogenic) and the wild grasslands along the River Lea are lovely. And crowds of people with the different national flags are a sight to behold.

Came back on the Tube. Huge crowds walking to the station through the shopping centre, but seem well managed, and tube itself was not overcrowded at about half three in the afternoon.

Seeing as I only got my ticket at the last minute 2 days before the event, I am keen to see if lightening can strike twice and I can snag another one to something! Definitely interested in popping down for the Paralympics too to see inside the stadium itself.

Went to the Olympic Park today (shame about the weather).

Travelled this morning at rush hour, but no problem on the train from Liverpool Street to Stratford. Was through security in less than ten minutes. The military look good in uniform and seem very cheerful! Better than a G4S jobsworth no doubt ;) No queues to speak of to get in to the Water Polo Arena (which very class to the Stratford entrance), but I did get to my seat about 40 minutes before the start of the first match. Plenty of people left it to the last minute to get to their seats.

Yes, the army are doing a fantastic job and are a real credit to the country. I'm everyone feels much better with them around than than someone dragged in off the streets by G4S and given 5 minutes training.

I was at the water polo on Sunday and had a great time. It really is a violent sport. I don't think I'll be giving it a try!

Thanks. I should have said I know these areas well, but I'm wondering how they are going to be next week with the games and festivities. Same as normal? Anything special going on near Paddington station or Buckingham Gate?

Unless there is an Olympic event on near by you won't see much difference apart from a few banners.I was disappointed Oxford St took down it's rows of Union Jacks after the Diamond Jubillee as that was a nice feature, offset by the flags of the world down Regent Street (which are still there).

This is a multi event centre, so the atmosphere is pretty much pumping as people come in and out of the various halls.

Getting there is mainly via the DLR. We took the Jubilee line to Canning Town and changed there. The Jubilee was packed as it was the first day of Athletics, so it was good to get off. The DLR was operating a shuttle service to Prince Regent so it wasn't bad.

Getting off, they make you walk to the furtherst end of the platform, then when you're on the walkway to the centre, they make you go down stairs, and out onto the street and walk away from centre. A sign says it's 5 mins walk. Eventually you turn back and head towards ExCEL. Security queues were long, but moving. They allowed some of us to use the empty fast track lanes.

There are some great photo ops as you head up the stairs. Inside your ticket is scanned at the gate. Find out which Arena you are in and follow the signs. We were in S3, which doesn't tie up with "hall" S3.

There are a number of fast food venues as you walk down the main corridor. £6 for a sandwich though. No water fountain that I saw.

When you get to your arena they check again your ticket. Inside, there is a spectators area. Here they had stands with facts and artifacts from the sport you are about to watch. As well there are food and drink stalls and merchandise. There are toilets in here also.

Once inside your arena set up will depend on your event. I had my tickets from the original ballot and had the front row of my price band. Unfortunately there was a walkway infront and we had to constantly be telling people (press and officials mostly) to move out of our way!

During the short break, there was a massive queue for the mens loo, so if you need to go, avoid the break time.

At the end of the event you walk out the opposite end of the centre. If you have the time, turn right and walk over the dock and take the DLR from Pontoon Dock. There is a temporary pontoon bridge set up to go over the water and into the "London Pleasure Gardens". Great photo opportunity.

The DLR seems to be running all trains (at least at this time) to Stratford, so you'll need to change at Canning town for the Jubillee line.

Enjoy!

This is a multi event centre, so the atmosphere is pretty much pumping as people come in and out of the various halls.

Getting there is mainly via the DLR. We took the Jubilee line to Canning Town and changed there. The Jubilee was packed as it was the first day of Athletics, so it was good to get off. The DLR was operating a shuttle service to Prince Regent so it wasn't bad.

Getting off, they make you walk to the furtherst end of the platform, then when you're on the walkway to the centre, they make you go down stairs, and out onto the street and walk away from centre. A sign says it's 5 mins walk. Eventually you turn back and head towards ExCEL. Security queues were long, but moving. They allowed some of us to use the empty fast track lanes.

There are some great photo ops as you head up the stairs. Inside your ticket is scanned at the gate. Find out which Arena you are in and follow the signs. We were in S3, which doesn't tie up with "hall" S3.

There are a number of fast food venues as you walk down the main corridor. £6 for a sandwich though. No water fountain that I saw.

When you get to your arena they check again your ticket. Inside, there is a spectators area. Here they had stands with facts and artifacts from the sport you are about to watch. As well there are food and drink stalls and merchandise. There are toilets in here also.

Once inside your arena set up will depend on your event. I had my tickets from the original ballot and had the front row of my price band. Unfortunately there was a walkway infront and we had to constantly be telling people (press and officials mostly) to move out of our way!

During the short break, there was a massive queue for the mens loo, so if you need to go, avoid the break time.

At the end of the event you walk out the opposite end of the centre. If you have the time, turn right and walk over the dock and take the DLR from Pontoon Dock. There is a temporary pontoon bridge set up to go over the water and into the "London Pleasure Gardens". Great photo opportunity.

The DLR seems to be running all trains (at least at this time) to Stratford, so you'll need to change at Canning town for the Jubillee line.

Enjoy!

Good summary - just to add, the water fountains are situated in each of the halls past ticket scanning - they're normally in the far corner - the volunteers will direct.

If you're going to an event in Greenwich Park, I have found a quick alternative route to the DLR and a 20min walk is to go to North Greenwich tube station and then get the 188 bus from Door C direct to the front gates of Greenwich Park - the buses seem to go every 5-10 mins and only take 5-10 mins.

Is there any place set up for people without tickets to congregate? In the Atlanta 1996 Olympics, we had the Centennial park area, which was near many venues and where beer tents etc. were set up for people to meet and socialize. We went there every other day, just to hand out, have a beer and see the events on TV.
All of the discussion of the venues indicates that a ticket is required for entry. For someone who is in London but has no ticket, is there any place recommended where one can experience the Olympic excitement without being in a venue?

Hyde Park (http://www.btlondonlive.com/).

Hyde Park (http://www.btlondonlive.com/).

and Victoria Park - where you'll be able to hear the cheers from the Olympic Stadium, less than a mile away.

There are other attractions too, like a big wheel, and a zipwire (http://www.itv.com/news/london/2012-08-01/exclusive-video-boris-stuck-on-zip-wire/).

Yes, the army are doing a fantastic job and are a real credit to the country. I'm everyone feels much better with them around than than someone dragged in off the streets by G4S and given 5 minutes training.

Completely agree. Was in London for a number of events last week and visited 4 different Olympic venues, including the Olympic Park twice and had three different security experiences. The Forces did a great job - the Army, Marines and RAF proved that security can be done professionally and pleasantly. I thought G4S were average - seeing someone getting trained on one of the scanners half way through the games wasn't necessarily the image I wanted to see - but worst of all were Wembley Stadium security who seemed to be completely incapable of understanding that they were handling the Olympics and not Chelsea vs. Millwall.

and Victoria Park - where you'll be able to hear the cheers from the Olympic Stadium, less than a mile away.

There are other attractions too, like a big wheel, and a zipwire (http://www.itv.com/news/london/2012-08-01/exclusive-video-boris-stuck-on-zip-wire/).

There are also a number of smaller screen venues scattered across London. Potter's Field next to the London Assembly building at Tower Bridge is one.

At Canary Wharf there are 2 screens at Cabot Square so you can sit and watch on the grass. Yesterday staff were handing out ground sheets for people to sit on after the rain. Around the corner at Wood Wharf there is a screen in front of the yacht George Clooney is apparently renting. I saw 3 van loads of US athletes (I think) get off after a meal and head off to the stadium I'm guessing! George's yacht is parked next to Frank Lowry, top dog at Westfield shopping centres.

Across the way is Octopus, the largest yacht in the world I think with 2 submarines and a helicopter owned by the co-founder of Microsoft. This is near Deutschland, the German Love Boat (or Dream Boat) as the Germans have their hosting zone around the Wharf and in particular, West India Quay where the Docklands Museum of London is now the German supporter's zone. TV coverage is all in German. Bit pricey for a beer inside given Weatherspoons is next door!! :D

If you do go to the Hyde Park Venue, and I'm assuming the Victoria Park one too, they are strict about not letting anyone in with their own food and drink. :td:

Good summary - just to add, the water fountains are situated in each of the halls past ticket scanning - they're normally in the far corner - the volunteers will direct.

^

Thanks for that! Didn't see them when I went but will keep an eye out tomorrow evening!

If you do go to the Hyde Park Venue, and I'm assuming the Victoria Park one too, they are strict about not letting anyone in with their own food and drink. :td:The rules seem to suggest that you can't bring a guide dog, but you can bring a unicycle (http://www.flickr.com/photos/suburbanslice/7713991746/). I'd like to see someone try :)

The rules seem to suggest that you can't bring a guide dog, but you can bring a unicycle (http://www.flickr.com/photos/suburbanslice/7713991746/). I'd like to see someone try :)

I have a friend who is a unicycle hockey player. I'll ask if he's interested in going in!

If you're changing to go to the Excel at Canning Town on the DLR, beware the signs for Excel, they take you to the City Airport/Woolwich branch which means you have a very long walk!

Look for the Prince Regent/Beckton trains which are above the Jubilee line.

Went along to the morning athletics session today. Arrived at Stratford station just before 8 and it was whilst it was crowded it was no worse than some rush hours when we exited on the old Stratford Shopping Mall side. Hot bacon and sausage rolls from Sainsburys and tea from Costa saved time and money compared to queuing at the concessions in the Olympic Park. Walking up to Westfield at about 8.30 the queues were building so we walked along to the gates nearest to John Lewis. Everything worked very smoothly and if we'd gone straight from the train I think that the platform to clearing security would have taken about 15-20 minutes.

Compared to the basketball game that we went to on the first Sunday the park was absolutely packed and whilst the session itself was fun the rest of the day was not as relaxed (although it was much drier). There wasn't really any space to watch the live screens unless you sat on some very steep banks which may well have been flower beds last week. We also found that what initially looked like a good spot had two newly planted trees in a direct line with the screen. There was a good atmosphere so it's still worth trying to get into this area. Queues for the bars and food stalls near this area looked bad to start with but were no worse than last Sunday and moved fairly quickly.

There's now a queuing system to get into Park Live (BA's big screens) - I overheard people talking about having to wait an hour to get in. It looks like there's a bit more space on the east side (near the Velodrome and Basketball Arena), but I didn't see what the queue was like there!

There's now a queuing system to get into Park Live (BA's big screens) - I overheard people talking about having to wait an hour to get in. It looks like there's a bit more space on the east side (near the Velodrome and Basketball Arena), but I didn't see what the queue was like there!

I queued for less than 5 mins at the east side/basketball entrance to get in yesterday afternoon.

Where does one go for the Hyde Park zone and TV's? It's a pretty big park and I'm wondering if there is a tube or bus stop or something close to the entrance to the special area. Or are there multiple entrances?

Where does one go for the Hyde Park zone and TV's? It's a pretty big park and I'm wondering if there is a tube or bus stop or something close to the entrance to the special area. Or are there multiple entrances?

The live site seems to be at the east end of the park. this map (http://www.london2012.com/mm/Document/Documents/Venue/01/24/06/64/travel-to-hyde-park-o_Neutral.pdf) doesn't show the entrances, but when I've been before for concerts, it's normally towards the north, near Marble Arch.

Note the restrictions on some of the local tube stations on that map, which apply when there's sporting events on nearby - I think that would include the marathon swimming on Thursday and Friday, and the Marathon on Sunday. As always, check before you travel (http://travel.london2012.com).

Where does one go for the Hyde Park zone and TV's? It's a pretty big park and I'm wondering if there is a tube or bus stop or something close to the entrance to the special area. Or are there multiple entrances?

Marble Arch is the closest tube to the entrance. I don't know if there is an entrance to the south side, but there is a massive one on the the north near speakers corner (Oxford St/Park Lane). Loads of busses pass by. Marble Arch tube is supposed to be exit only from 10am for the duration, but I have been able to go in on the odd occassion.

I tried to go one lunchtime last week, but the security put me off, along with not being able to take your own food in.

but worst of all were Wembley Stadium security

Quite agree. I have been to a few Olympic events and the 'professional' Wembley stewarding was the worst by a long chalk. Football stewards are almost invariably too heavy handed, which in itself riles rather than calms fans, and could learn much from the military and volunteers at the Olympics.

I queued for less than 5 mins at the east side/basketball entrance to get in yesterday afternoon.

Similar story for me on Wednesday. Be aware that there seems to be a separate top field on the east side. It's the one where people are queuing up to get a picture taken under the rings. The upper side of the field near the rings had plenty of space and a view of the screen. We went to the lower field where it was possible to find space for 2-4 people if you hunted around. Beware of the green things at the edge of the grass that look like air vents. They're the speakers for the live screen and are very loud if you sit right next to them.

If you're heading to a team quarter or semi final this week then it's worth noting that people are now freely trading tickets inside the park to try and get to see their home country. This was happening for both the handball and the hockey this afternoon. I didn't see any officials trying to stop this.