AO1 -Profile four local sporting facilities
There are thousands of sporting facilities plotted all over the United Kingdom, all having different unique features and holding different events, who of which is owned by.
These are some of the local facilities located in Wales
The first National sporting facility chosen will be the Liberty Stadium
The Liberty Stadium is home to the Ospreys and Swansea City Football Club. It is located in Morfa. After the opening of the Millenium Stadium in 1999, Swansea decided to follow Cardiff's footsteps and build a new updated stadium. Swansea now has a world-class multi-use sporting venue to be proud of.. It is now the new home for the Ospreys regional rugby team and the newly promoted championship football team Swansea City FC. The stadium is already securing a healthy share of conferencing and exhibition opportunities.
About the Stadium
The Capacity of this stadium is 20,000 and each stand has two tiers. The executive boxes are situated on the west stand but the east stand are for season ticket holders and this stand is where the majority of the noise comes from. The stadium’s architects, TTH of Newcastle, were keen to create a stadium that wasn’t simply a sporting venue, but rather somewhere that would play a vital role in the sporting, entertainment, business and community life of the city. Their design for the stadium comprised an all-eater ‘bowl’ solution with a single tier of terracing to get the spectators as close as possible to the pitch. Access is gained to the seating areas via vomitories from the generous concourse to a virtually continuous lateral walkway. This walkway, in conjunction with regular mezzanine level lifts, gives excellent access to a wide range of seating options for wheelchair users in all sections and levels of the ground. The larger West Stand has 29 executive boxes with conferencing and hospitality facilities on three levels.
Swansea now has a world-class multi-use sporting venue to be proud of. The stadium proudly hosted its first international game, between Wales and Slovenia, on 17th August 2005. It is now the new home for the Ospreys regional rugby team and the newly promoted championship football team Swansea City FC. The stadium is already securing a healthy share of conferencing and exhibition opportunities.
Other events and conferencing
Other than rugby and football that get played at the Liberty Stadium, there are other events that the Liberty stadium hold. For example, conferencing, banqueting, live music concerts, summer balls, weddings, wakes and much more.
Conferencing - Liberty Stadium, Swansea is the premier venue for conferences and events in South West Wales. The variety of function suites can accommodate meetings, lunches and dinners from 8 to 660. With 9 suites and numerous syndicate rooms, conference organisers have the flexibility to hold the large events that will be remembered for a long time. With pitch views from the Platinum Lounge and the 29 executive suites, the facilities are second to none in Swansea for views of the hallowed turf and the 20,000 seats that incorporate the stadium.
Banqueting - The Liberty Stadium offers all event organisers fully bespoke assistance in regards to service and menu requirements for their event. Whether you require seasonal produce, special diets or an international flavour to your menus, we can design a menu to suit your needs and budget. Below we have listed some example dishes for your reference.
Live music concerts - The Liberty hold a number of music concerts in a year with sell-out crowds and a lot of enjoyment. In the near future, the Liberty Stadium is welcoming Rodd Stewart to perform a gig and it is already a sell-out crowd.
Summer balls - The Liberty Stadium, Swansea is the ideal venue in which to host a summer ball and is regularly utilised by schools and government organisations as well as corporate clients for these types of events. They have a large variety and different sized suites capable of housing anything from 50 – 600 guests all of which represent the perfect setting in which to house a summer ball and will ensure the event is truly unforgettable.
Wakes - The Liberty Stadium is regularly utilized to celebrate some of the most important events of people's lives but is also frequently used as the ideal venue in which to remember those closest to you who have recently been lost. The stadium and its many suites provide a spectacular setting from which to celebrate the life of a loved-one, and to mourn their passing. With the assurance of considerable experience and understanding at a time of great difficulty for families and friends, The Liberty Stadium can relieve the pressure of this part of the proceedings
The second local sporting facility will be the Swansea Sports Village (national pool & Ashley road)
Swansea sports village facilities are enjoyed by not only University students and staff, but by Elite and Professional teams/ bodies and the public.
The Sports village consists of:
Multi-purpose sports hall (including a Climbing Wall)
In-door and training centre:
60 metre 6 lane Running Track
Long Jump / Triple Jump Pit
High Jump
Pole Vault
Throwing Cage
Javelin Net
Out-door training centre:
8 lane athletics track
Pole Vault and High Jump Beds
2 Sand Pits for Long and Triple Jump
Throwing areas and Cage suitable for all throwing events
400 spectator stand and a public address system.
And other facilities such as:
6 All Weather Tennis Courts
Sports Pavilion
2 Water Based AstroTurf Pitches
3 Rugby Pitches
5 Football Pitches
2 Cricket Squares
Lacrosse Pitch
Welsh national pool
Sports Centre
The modern Sports Centre is an impressive facility which homes the following:
- The Uni-Gym
The Uni-gym is a fully air-conditioned, 400 m2 fitness facility comprising 48 cardiovascular machines, a variety of resistance machines, 2 Radiant Multi Stations and a selection of plate loading resistance machines, extensive selection of free weights, fully equipped core training / stretching area including flexibility balls, fitness assessment facility, 6 televisions and an ambient stereo system.
- Multi-purpose Sports Hall (including a Climbing Wall)
The multi-functional Sports Hall is venue to a number of different activities including badminton, basketball, netball, 5-a-side football and a lot more. The Sports Hall is home to a number of the University's sports teams who all usually play their competitve fixtures on Wednesday afternoons. The sports centre also has a climbing wall.
Squash Courts
Within the Sports Centre there are 3 recently refurbished Squash Courts and they are the venue to the University's Squash team for their BUCS fixtures.
Fitness&spin studio
The air conditioned fitness studio hosts the majority of activities on our Group Fitness Timetable including Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi, Step LBT, Abs + Pads and Total Body Workout. Whereas the spin studio containing an impressive 20 bikes for users is a fully Air Conditioned venue and is a popular venue for the spin class regulars. The studio also boasts a 50-inch Flatscreen TV for one of the new classes - Walk In Spin.
Easy Line Circuit Room
Physiotherapy Clinic Sort Tissue Therapy Clinic
Physiotherapy at Swansea University Sports Centre is provided by Physiotherapy Wales which means access if necessary, to specialty consultant advice, MRI scans and X-Rays. Offering physiotherapy services including hospital-based rehabilitation, occupational health, sports medicine, nursing and residential home cover and private practice.
The ITC (Indoor Training Centre)
The facilities that the Indoor training ground has to offer are:
- 60 metre 6 lane Running Track
- Long Jump / Triple Jump Pit
- High Jump
- Pole Vault
- Throwing Cage
- Javelin Net
- 6 Changing Rooms
Outdoor facilities
The outdoor facilities, that surround the University Sports Centre comprise of
- Sketty Lane Playing Fields (1 Rugby Pitch and 1 Football Pitch)
The playing fields at the Sports Village host and cater for numerous sports and teams. Sketty Lane playing fields are the venue for the University's Rugby and Football first teams.
Sketty Lane Playing Fields play host to Swansea City F.C. Youth Team on a daily basis.
Visiting sides have also enjoyed the facilities include the WRU, New Zealand Rugby, Welsh FA, Ospreys Rugby and Welsh Aussie Rules Football. They have also hosted BUSA National Championships, Regional Cup Finals and Coaching Camps including Manchester United and Arsenal Soccer Schools.
Sketty Lane Playing Fields play host to Swansea City F.C. Youth Team on a daily basis.
Visiting sides have also enjoyed the facilities include the WRU, New Zealand Rugby, Welsh FA, Ospreys Rugby and Welsh Aussie Rules Football. They have also hosted BUSA National Championships, Regional Cup Finals and Coaching Camps including Manchester United and Arsenal Soccer Schools.
6 All Weather Tennis Courts
The concrete-made tennis courts are situated between the Sports Centre and the Indoor Training Centre and adjacent to the two astro-turf pitches. The 6 courts are available to University staff and students, and payment for the Courts from the public must be made at the Sports Centre Reception first.
Sports Pavilion
The Pavilion is situated adjacent to the Sport Centre. This facility is fully equipped with Male and Female Changing Rooms as well as a Sports Hall and a Lecture Room. It is used by many of the AU Teams including Martial Arts, Cheerleaders and some of our classes are held here including Body Pump and Zumba.
2 Water Based Astroturf Pitches
The faculties in this section of the sport's village include 2 impressive water-based knitted nylon all weather astro-turf Pitches, 6 Changing Rooms and 1 Officials Room and Viewing Balcony and Video Recording Platform. The pitches are of a high quality and are frequently used by all the University's Hockey teams, National / Regional competitions and training, and are also available for private hire.
The regular sports that are featured on these two astro-turf pitches are hockey and football, lacrosse, rugby and cricket.
The regular sports that are featured on these two astro-turf pitches are hockey and football, lacrosse, rugby and cricket.
Athletics Facilities
The Sport's village, along with everything else, has a full athletics track with all athletics events available to you. This impressive floodlight facility includes an eight lane athletics track, pole vault and high jump beds, two sand pits for long and triple jump, throwing areas and cage suitable for all throwing events and finally, a 400 spectator stand with a public address system.
Fairwood Playing Fields
Fairwood is a short drive from the Sports Centre and main campus and it has a Car Park which can cater for approximately 75 vehicles.
Fairwood too has some impressive facilities including outdoor activities such as:
Fairwood too has some impressive facilities including outdoor activities such as:
- 3 Rugby Pitches
- 5 Soccer Pitches
- 2 Cricket Squares
- Lacrosse Pitch
Wales National Pool
The Wales National Pool can accommodate a wide variety of fitness activity along with conference services and sports science support. Classes, lessons and free swimming are available at convenient times the year round. Swimming at Swansea aims to provide a pathway to excellence and provide first class support to talented athletes via high quality training opportunities and support services. Swim Wales is the National Governing Body for swimming in Wales and is committed to increasing the quality of participation and the quality of performance throughout the country. University swimming is clearly linked with Swim Wales with the approach of the need for swimmers at the "training to compete" and the "training to win" stages to have the appropriate hours of training per week, as well as, where possible, an appropriate amount of long course training (50 metres) per week. Wales National Pool Performance Centre is the home of a team of dedicated coaches with specific roles, British, national and academic performance and Club levels
The third Local sporting facility chosen will be the LC2 (leisure Centre)
The LC2 is split up into 3 different areas Core, Edge and Peak. The Core area consists of the Climbing wall and Sports halls, the Edge area contains the LC's famous Water Park whereas the Peak area is where the Gym and Spar are located.
Core
Climb
LC2's 30 ft climbing wall has 8 lines and over 20 different routes for every level of expertise. Their new automatic belay system means you can climb without any help.
The LC combined forces with indoor climbing centre Dynamic Rock whose qualified instructors are based at the LC to provide Cardio Climb a fitness class with a difference.
Sports Halls
The LC house’s a double multi-purpose sports and exhibition hall to accommodate loads of activities, events and sports and has been named an Official Training Facility for the 2012 London Olympics.
The LC runs both junior and adult activities from trampolining and gymnastics to basketball and football.
Edge
Water Park
The LC waterpark is a firm favourite with visitors of all ages featuring a network of pools and slides for the time of your life. Here are just some of the special features…
The Masterblaster: The ultimate white-knuckle rollercoaster waterslide that propels riders at high speed up steep inclines and down great dips on a rubber ring.
The Lazy River: A winding river that carries swimmers along to the wave pool.
Interactive pool: Perfect for younger children fully equipped with mini slide, tipping buckets and fountains.
Plus… the aqua slide, the aqua tube, the wave pool, the whirlpool and the LC lagoon!
Board Rider
The first of its kind in the whole world, the indoor Boardrider is a unique ride, unlike anything experienced before.
Situated at the heart of the LC’s waterpark, riders can choose to boogie board or try their hand at real surfing on a never ending wave.
Instructors will help you develop technique and balance whilst experiencing the thrill of the wave – the ride is never the same twice.
Peak
Gym
The LC Gym is spread over two floors with breathtaking views over Swansea and consists of over 180 stations that are linked to the Techno gym Wellness System.
What does this mean? It’s simple, The Wellness System tracks your progression in the gym using an electronic key that stores your personal fitness programme and measures your success. So if you’re new to the gym and aren’t too sure what you should be doing, your fitness instructor will complete an in-depth one-to-one session with you to help you understand your goals and to more importantly make them achievable and The Wellness System keeps track of how you’re getting along every time you come to the gym.
Spa
The spa at LC offers a wide range of treatments and a place to unwind after a stressful day or perhaps before a stress free night.
The wet spa area consists of Jacuzzi,
Steam room, sauna, aromatherapy room, monsoon showers and heated loungers and customers are welcome to use all these features throughout their visit.
Waterpark & Boardrider
Download our new 'We've Got it Covered' Brochure Here!
Term-time:
Monday – Friday: 4.00pm – 9.00pm Saturday – Sunday: 9.00am – 8.00pm
School and Bank Holidays:
Monday – Sunday: 9.00am – 8.00pm
Local school inset days: 11.00am – 8.00pm
Adults: £7 (£6 for Swansea Resident card holders)
Children (4-15yrs): £4
Children (3 & under): FREE
Senior Citizens/PTL card holders: £3
Students: £4 (with valid student I.D.)
(The Waterpark experience is a 2 hour session)
Boardrider sessions: £3.50 per person per 30 minute session
Themed Sessions:
Text Twosday Tuesdays 4pm - 9pm
Safari Morning Saturdays and Sundays 9am - 11am
Adrenaline Night Fridays and Saturdays 6pm - 8pm
Pool Policy
Children must be supervised according to the following adult / child ratios:
Children must be supervised according to the following adult / child ratios:
Children aged 0-3 need one adult to supervise one child.
Children aged 4-7 need one adult to supervise two children.
Children aged 8+ are able to use the pool unaccompanied. However, any child who is not a confident swimmer must be supervised in the water at all times regardless of age.
Under 2s must wear a swim nappy.
Surf GSD Junior Academy: £30 for 4 1 hour sessions. Thursdays: 5.30pm – 8.30pm.
(Tesco Clubcard Deal Vouchers accepted – Get your deal vouchers here)
Climb:
Monday - Friday: 4.00pm - 6.00pm Saturday - Sunday 10.00am - 6.00pm
Auto Climb Taster Sessions: £3.00 / person
There is a minimum weight requirement of 3 stone and a minimum height of 1.1m for Auto Climb sessions. A guardian signature is required for all child climbers. Suitable shoes are required for climbing - no open toed shoes allowed.
Gym and Classes:
Monday – Friday: 6.30am – 10.00pm
Saturday – Sunday (including Bank holidays): 8.00am – 9.00pm
Pay and Play – from £5.20 per visit.
All classes are included with gym membership. Non-members £4.10 per class.
Memberships start from £26 per month. To find out more about the best membership option for you or to book your tour of the LC, call our membership team on 01792 466500 (opt. 2 then opt. 3).
Spa:
Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 10.00pm
Saturday – Sunday: 9.00am – 9.00pm
Female only sessions: Fridays from 5.00pm – 6.00pm
Wet Spa session: £5.20 per hour.
A full list of treatment prices is available in our Spa Brochure
History
Swansea Leisure Centre was one of the most popular tourist attractions in Wales. Its location, size and heritage all define its status as one of the most immediately identifiable buildings in Swansea. Opened by the Queen during her silver jubilee celebrations in 1977, the original Swansea Leisure Centre featured modern and ground breaking facilities, such as the first wave machine to be installed in a leisure centre in Wales. It became one of Wales' top leisure facilities and a substantial tourist attraction. At its peak it attracted more than 800,000 users annually. Swansea Leisure Centre closed in 2003 which resulted in the loss of a major wet weather visitor attraction and a major facility in which families and people of all ages could enjoy a range of recreational activities. Following a review of the options, the Council decided that the refurbishment of the Leisure Centre was the most effective option and works soon progressed in developing the former site into a 21st Century leisure complex.
Swansea Leisure Centre was one of the most popular tourist attractions in Wales. Its location, size and heritage all define its status as one of the most immediately identifiable buildings in Swansea. Opened by the Queen during her silver jubilee celebrations in 1977, the original Swansea Leisure Centre featured modern and ground breaking facilities, such as the first wave machine to be installed in a leisure centre in Wales. It became one of Wales' top leisure facilities and a substantial tourist attraction. At its peak it attracted more than 800,000 users annually. Swansea Leisure Centre closed in 2003 which resulted in the loss of a major wet weather visitor attraction and a major facility in which families and people of all ages could enjoy a range of recreational activities. Following a review of the options, the Council decided that the refurbishment of the Leisure Centre was the most effective option and works soon progressed in developing the former site into a 21st Century leisure complex.
The fourth Local sporting facility chosen will be the Plas Menai water sports centre
Plas Menai enjoys a magnificent location on the Menai Strait, overlooking Anglesey in North Wales. The waters of the Strait are ideal for sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and powerboating, with easy access to the open sea and superb coastal scenery. Plas Menai is also close to Snowdonia National Park which provides canoeists and mountaineers with access to mountains, crags, rivers and lakes.
If you've still got some energy left at the end of the day's activities, there's plenty to see and do in the evening. You can visit the historic walled town of Caernarfon with its majestic castle, take a drive around Snowdonia or discover the unspoilt island of Anglesey. There's also a good selection of nightlife, with pubs and restaurants close by in Bangor and Caernarfon.
“The training you receive at Plas Menai is among the best in Europe”
Purpose-built for Water sports and Comfort
Plas Menai, owned and run by the Sports Council for Wales, is a purpose-built centre with comfortable and well-equipped accommodation. The main residential complex has single and twin-bedded rooms, all with en-suite shower and WC, as well as tea-making facilities. Half the rooms overlook the Strait to Anglesey. The centre also has on-site 'house' accommodation which is ideal for clubs, schools and groups.
Plas Menai provide courses throughout the facility, using specialist equipment and staff. They provide courses such as:
· Activity days
· Dinghy sailing
· Cruising
· Kayaking(expeditions)
· Power boating
· Windsurfing
· Boat and sailing
Swimming
Residents at Plas Menai can use the pool during public sessions free of charge, although please note it is not open at the weekends. Should you wish to take advantage of this facility during the week simply show your room key to the attendant on poolside.
Pool Statistics
Length: 17m
Width: 9m
Depth: 1m shallow end, 2m deep end.
Temperature: 29.2˚C
Swimming Pool Timetable
Public Sessions
Monday to Friday 12 -2pm
Monday to Friday 6-7pm
Parent & Baby (one adult with a max of two children under 5yrs)
Tuesday 10.45 – 11.45 am
Thursday 10-45-11.45am
Senior Citizens
Tuesday 9.30 – 10. 30am
Ladies Hour
Wednesday 11am – 12pm
Swim Fit Classes (Suitable for intermediate and advanced level swimmers aged 16yrs and over)
Monday: 7-8am
Tuesday 7-8am
Friday 7-8am
Pricing (per session)
Adults £2.70
Children £2.30
Senior Citizens £2.30
Parent & Toddler £2.30
‘Free Swim’ Voucher Scheme: Buy a voucher for 10 sessions and only pay for The centre has introduced a ‘Free Swim’ voucher scheme which is aimed at anyone who swims regularly at the centre. The vouchers are valid for 2 months from date of purchase and will be punched by the pool attendant each time you present the voucher until all your sessions have been used. Please contact reception to purchase your voucher.
Voucher Prices (10 sessions)
Adults £24.30
Children £20.70
Senior Citizens £20.70
Swimming LessonsThe centre also runs an extensive programme of swimming lessons for children (minimum age 4 years) and adults at all levels. You are advised to contact our Swimming Coaches directly during public swimming times for more details on availability and suitability – 01248 670 964 or 0845 846 0029.
Gym/fitness room
The fitness room at Plas Menai has an excellent range of cardiovascular and fixed weight equipment.
Equipment includes;
· Rowing machines
· Treadmill
· Cross trainer
· Exercise bikes
· Stepper
· Bench Presses
It is available for use by members of the public, staff and residents at the centre.
Residents: The fitness room is available to all residents, free of charge, who can provide evidence that they are a member of a gym, i.e hold valid gym membership card.
Public Use: The fitness room is available for use by members of the public following an induction. Once you have had your induction there are no membership fees, you simply pay as you go.
· Induction Fee: £12.00
· Per Session: £3.20
Opening Times: Every day (including weekends) 8.30am – 10.30pm
Mountain Bike track
Opened in 2006 our on-site mountain bike track has four looped trails of varying difficulty, linking up to over 1km of riding. ‘The Great Circle’, ‘The Corkscrew’, ‘The Serpents Tail ‘and the ‘Chainlink’ skills area each provide a new challenge for the rider.
The track is open for use by the general public but is used at your own risk. Track guidelines must be followed and your bike and kit must be in good working order. No bike hire or kit is available from Plas Menai. All under 14's must be supervised by an adult (over 18 years)
Public Opening Times
September to March
Monday - Sunday: 09.00 - 17.00
April to August
Monday - Sunday: 09.00 - 21.00
Free of charge
Groups
If you would like to use the track as a group, we offer half-day sessions with or without a qualified mountain bike leader.
Half Day Sessions (available 7 days a week)
09.30 - 12.30 and 13.30 - 16.30
· Half-day Session (using your own Equipment and Instructor): £50 per group
· Half day session with Plas Menai instructor £10.00 per person (includes bike hire, helmet, gloves and instructor)
Safety Notice: We recommend helmets and gloves for all riding. Ride within your ability. If you are into jumping, we recommend body armour.
The Staff Team
The training you receive at Plas Menai is among the best in Europe. The Centre’s instructors are nationally-qualified, experienced practitioners and chosen for their eagerness to share with you, their knowledge, skills and enthusiasm.
Our staff hold some of the highest technical and coaching awards available and include; RYA Dinghy Coach Assessors, RYA Racing Coaches, RYA Powerboat Trainers, RYA Windsurfing Trainers, RYA Yachtmaster Examiners, BC Level 5 Sea and Inland Coaches, Mountain Instructors with SPA and ML, White Water Rescue Providers and First Aid Trainers.
In addition, the Centre has a superb team of seasonal, casual and guest instructors and coaches all dedicated in their sports.
Safety First
Plas Mania has always set the highest standards in safety and as well as operating within the guidelines laid down by the national governing bodies (RYA, BCU) and the Welsh Tourist Board, the centre is licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority which is required by anyone providing adventure activities for young people under 18. You should be assured that we constantly monitor our safety procedures and risk assessments for all activities offered at Plas Menai.
AO2 - Profile four national sporting facilities
There are hundreds of National sporting facilities all representing as their self or as an international level
The first National sporting facility chosen would be the Olympic Park.
The Olympic Park will create a green backdrop for the Games and a new green space after 2012 for people and wildlife living in and around the area to enjoy.
The southern part of the Park will focus on retaining the festival atmosphere of the Games, with riverside gardens, markets, events, cafes and bars. The northern area will use the latest green techniques to manage flood and rain water, while providing quieter public space and habitats for hundreds of existing and rare species, from kingfishers to otters.
More than 300,000 wetland plants will also be planted in the Park. It will be the UK’s largest ever urban river and wetland planting. It will help create a colourful riverside setting for the London 2012 Games.
The Olympic park will provide venues to provide availability for the majority of the Olympic specified events, these venues are:
The Aquatics Centre will be the venue for Swimming, Paralympic Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming and the Aquatics discipline of the Modern Pentathlon.
The Basketball Arena will host Basketball, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby and the final stages of the Handball competition.
The BMX Track will host the Olympic BMX competition
Eton Manor will be the venue for Wheelchair Tennis during the London 2012 Games
The Handball Arena will be the venue for Handball, Goalball and the Fencing discipline of Modern Pentathlon
The temporary Hockey Centre located in the Olympic Park will have two separate pitches, one with spectator seating. The facility will also be used for Paralympic 5-a-side and 7-a-side Football
The Olympic Stadium will host the Athletics and Paralympic Athletics events at the London 2012 Games, as well as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
The Velodrome will host Track Cycling and Paralympic Track Cycling.
The temporary Water Polo Arena on the Olympic Park will host the Water Polo competition
Olympic Village
During the Games, the Athletes' Village will comprise residential apartments for around 17,000 athletes and officials, along with shops, restaurants, medical, media and leisure facilities and large areas of open space.
The Village will also include a 'Village Plaza’ where athletes can meet with friends and family. The plan retains London's tradition of building homes around communal squares and courtyards, with water features accentuating the closeness of the River Lea.
Athletes will have an inspirational view over the Park. Every apartment will provide comfortable accommodation and state-of-the-art communications facilities, including internet access and wireless networking. All the apartment blocks will be fully accessible and equipped with modern lifts.
Athletes will have easy access to the travel and leisure facilities of the adjacent Stratford City complex, and the High Speed 1 Javelin® shuttle service will link the Village to central London in just seven minutes.
During the Games, the Village will include ‘back of house’ operations, and services for athletes such as catering and transport. The majority of these will be accommodated in temporary structures on sites that can be cleared for development immediately after the Games.
Olympic Stadium
The Olympic Stadium will have a capacity of 80,000 during the Games: 25,000 permanent seats in its permanent lower tier and a lightweight steel and concrete upper tier holding a further 55,000 spectators. The upper tier can be dismantled after the Games.
During the Games
The Olympic Stadium will be located in the south of the Olympic Park on an ‘island’ site, surrounded by waterways on three sides. Spectators will reach the venue via five bridges that link the site to the surrounding area.
Facilities for athletes within the Stadium include changing rooms, medical support facilities and an 80m warm-up track. Spectator services, refreshments and merchandise outlets will be located outside the venue on a ‘podium’ that will surround the Stadium, rather than being located within the Stadium itself.
Facilities for athletes within the Stadium include changing rooms, medical support facilities and an 80m warm-up track. Spectator services, refreshments and merchandise outlets will be located outside the venue on a ‘podium’ that will surround the Stadium, rather than being located within the Stadium itself.
After the Games
After the Games, the Stadium can be scaled back to 25,000 seats as required. It will be a venue for sport and athletics, as well as cultural and community events.
The Second National sporting facility chosen would be the Millennium Stadium
The Millennium Stadium is home to the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), and is also the national stadium of Wales
It is located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage of Wales rally Great Britain, boxing and many music concerts, including Tina Turner, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, U2, Stereophonics, Paul McCartney, and the Tsunami Relief Concert. It was built to host the 1999 Rugby World Cup.
Capacity
Overall (Seated) | 74,500 Spectators |
Upper Tier | 33,000 Spectators Level 6 |
Middle Tier | 18,000 Spectators Levels 4 & 5 |
Lower Tier | 23,500 Spectators |
Facilities
Tiers | 3 |
Levels | 7 |
Stands | 4 |
Hospitality Suites | 124 |
Hospitality Lounges | 7 |
Liquor Outlets | 27 |
Food & Beverage Outlets | 15 |
The Millennium Stadium is owned by Millennium Stadium plc which is a subsidiary commission of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU). The stadium was designed by a team led by architects Bligh Lobb Sport Architecture, who merged to become HOK Sport Venue Event, which would be renamed Populous in early 2009. WS Atkins were the structural engineers, and the building contractor was Laing. The total construction cost of the stadium was £121 million,of which the Millenium Comission funded £46 million.
The stadium opened in June 1999, and the first major event to be held was an international rugby union match on 26 June 1999, when Wales beat South Africa in a friendly by 29–19, before a test crowd of 29,000. With total seating capacity of 74,500, it is the third largest stadium in the Six Nations championship behind the Stade de France and Twickenham, which is the largest. It is also the second largest stadium in the world with a fully retractable rood and was only the second stadium in Europe to have this feature.
Project Funding
It was clear from the budget requirement for the Millennium Stadium (of over £100m) that Government Funding would be required. The only potential source of funding at the time was the National Lottery, set up in 1994, as one of eight major UK projects of the Millennium Commission.
Criteria that the Millennium Stadium had to meet in order to qualify for funding were:
The stadium opened in June 1999, and the first major event to be held was an international rugby union match on 26 June 1999, when Wales beat South Africa in a friendly by 29–19, before a test crowd of 29,000. With total seating capacity of 74,500, it is the third largest stadium in the Six Nations championship behind the Stade de France and Twickenham, which is the largest. It is also the second largest stadium in the world with a fully retractable rood and was only the second stadium in Europe to have this feature.
Project Funding
It was clear from the budget requirement for the Millennium Stadium (of over £100m) that Government Funding would be required. The only potential source of funding at the time was the National Lottery, set up in 1994, as one of eight major UK projects of the Millennium Commission.
Criteria that the Millennium Stadium had to meet in order to qualify for funding were:
- Public support
- To make a substantial contribution to the community
- To look back on the past Millennium and into the new one
- Mark a significant movement in history
- Be of a high architectural design and environmental quality
- Include partnership with the local community
- Would not be possible on most commission funds
The Millennium Commission were prepared to fund a maximum of £50m worth of the redevelopment. The Welsh Rugby Union decided to raise the remainder of the £114m budget from commercial sources.
After competition from the proposed Cardiff Bay Opera House in March 1996 the Millennium Commission agreed to support the redevelopment of the Cardiff Arms Park site by turning the Stadium through 90 degrees, developing over the existing TAVRA and BT sites, and demolishing the Empire Pool on the corner of Wood and Park streets to create an open plaza guaranteeing safe access and entrance for attending spectators.
Features
After competition from the proposed Cardiff Bay Opera House in March 1996 the Millennium Commission agreed to support the redevelopment of the Cardiff Arms Park site by turning the Stadium through 90 degrees, developing over the existing TAVRA and BT sites, and demolishing the Empire Pool on the corner of Wood and Park streets to create an open plaza guaranteeing safe access and entrance for attending spectators.
Features
The all-seater stadium has the capacity for 74,500 supporters and features a retractable roof, only the second stadium of its type in Europe, and the largest football stadium in the world with this feature, by capacity.Additional seating is sometimes added for special events such as a rugby Test against the New Zealand All Blacks, or for the FA Cup Final. The current record attendance is 74,576, recorded at Wales' 30–15 victory over Scotland in the 2008 Six Nations Championship on 9 February 2008.
The natural grass turf is a made up of a modular system installed by GreenTech ITM. It features built in irrigation and drainage. The pitch itself is laid on top of some 7,412 pallets which can be moved so the stadium can be used for concerts, exhibitions and other events
The natural grass turf is a made up of a modular system installed by GreenTech ITM. It features built in irrigation and drainage. The pitch itself is laid on top of some 7,412 pallets which can be moved so the stadium can be used for concerts, exhibitions and other events
The four ends of the ground are called the North Stand, the West Stand, the South Stand, and the BT Stand (east).The South Stand was previously known as the Hyder Stand, until Hyder plc was sold. The stadium has 3 tiers of seating with the exception of the North Stand, which has 2 tiers. The lower tier holds approximately 23,500 spectators, the middle tier holding 18,000 and the upper tier holding 33,000 spectators.
The stadium was slightly restricted in size due to its proximity to Cardiff Rugby Club's home in the adjacent smaller stadium within Cardiff Arms Park. The WRU were unable to secure enough funding to include the North Stand in the new stadium, and the Millenium Commission would not allow any of its funds to be used in any way for the construction of a new stadium for Cardiff RFC. The WRU held talks with CRFC Ltd to see if it would be possible for the club to either move or secure funding for the Cardiff Arms Park to be re-developed, but these were unsuccessful. The stadium thus had to be completed with a break in its bowl structure in the North Stand, known colloquially as Glanmor's Gap, after Glanmor Griffiths, then chairman of the WRU and now a former president.
The stadium was built from 56,000 tonnes of concrete and steel, and has 124 hospitality suites and 7 hospitality lounges, 22 bars, 7 restaurants, 17 first aid points, 12 escalators and 7 lifts.The stadium has 7 gates for access to the site; Gate 1 is from the River Walk via Castle Street (to the north), Gates 2 and 3 are via Westgate Street (to the east), Gate 4 is for Security only also via Westgate Street, Gate 5 is via Park Street (to the south) and Gates 6 and 7 are via the Millennium Plaza (also to the south).
Further stadium development is expected to commence before at least 2020. Any renovation will involve replacing the old North Stand of the former National Stadium with a new stand similar to the three existing stands of the new Millennium Stadium. This will make the stadium bowl shaped and will increase capacity to over 80,000. It will resolve the existing problems of deteriorating concrete quality on the old structure in the north stand.
In 2005 the stadium installed an "Arena Partition Drape System" — a 1,100 kg black curtain made up of 12 drapes measuring 9 meters (30 feet) x 35 m (115 ft) — to vary the audience from a capacity of over 73,000 down to between 12,000 and 46,000, depending on the four different positions that it can be hung. The curtains can be stored in the roof of the stadium when not in use. The £1m cost of the curtain was funded by the stadium, the Millenium Commission, its caterers Letherby and Christopher (Compass Group) and by the then Wales tourist board The curtain was supplied by Blackout Ltd.
Usage
As well as international rugby union and association football, the Millennium Stadium has hosted a variety of sports, including, rugby league (including the Challenge Cup final on 3 occasions between 2003 and 2005, and Welsh Rugby League internationals), speedway, boxing, the Wales Rally Great Britain stage of the World Rally Championship, Monster Jam and indoor cricket. The indoor cricket match between The Brits and a Rest of the World team for the Pertemps Power Cricket Cup, which took place on 4 and 5 October 2002.
The Third National sporting facility chosen would be the Bisham Abby
Set in quite spectacular and secluded surroundings, Bisham Abbey is one of the UK's National Sports Centres - training grounds and centres of excellence for the country's leading sportsmen and women. Sports facilities are open to the local community and the elite. The Abbey continues to provide a spectacular venue for weddings and celebrations, conferences and unique corporate activities.
The 800 year old Abbey was once a home for the English nobility and aristocracy and is now one of the UK's National Sports Centres. Mentioned in the Doomsday Book, Bisham Abbey also played host to Henry VIII and the exiled Elizabeth I who governed for a short period from the suite now known as the Elizabethan Room. Bisham Abbey now provides training grounds and a centre of excellence not only for the country's leading sportsmen and women but also the local community.
Football pitches, astroturf, golf course, tennis and squash court, 90 station gym and aerobic classes are all available to the public and professionals. Bisham Abbey also has years of experience in offering Fabulous Wedding Receptions and civil ceremonies, conference and corporate events, party facilities and superb budget Accommodation.
Bisham Abbey is used as a prestigious training venue for over 20 different sports and organisations including the English Institute of Sport, England Hockey, WIN Tennis Academy and the England Football and Rugby Associations.
Sports
Harpers Fitness
Harpers Fitness is all about helping you to achieve your health and fitness goals. Whether you’re training for a half marathon or you just want to shed a couple of pounds, Harpers Fitness caters for every gym-goer. There are a variety of membership packages and payment options to suit all lifestyles and budgets.
Bisham Abbey has an impressive 90 station cardio gym, a large free weights and resistance section so you are never short of equipment. A full class timetable including spinning classes, aerobics, body pump, pilates and yoga ensure that those who need that extra bit of motivation have the opportunity to get involved.
Tennis Club
Bisham Abbey offers tremendous racquet facilities and the tennis club provides access to 12 courts, both indoors and out, including four American Clay courts. The club caters both for juniors and adults. The club provides three club sessions per week for the more tentative player, enabling you to build up your confidence and ability. For the more competent player there is also the opportunity to then introduce yourself to the 'Match' nights on a Wednesday night where you can test your competitive streak and ability.
Squash Club
Bisham Abbey Squash Club provides squash facilities for juniors and adults, whether beginners, improvers or experienced players, seeking friendly games or competitive league and team opportunities. With Club nights, matches and a competitive squash league, the club provides something for everyone. If you need some extra help with your technique, Bisham Abbey's Squash coach offers group and individual lessons for juniors and adults. A former number 7 squash champion in the world, the Squash pro is an SRA qualified coach levels 1-4 and was also a national coach for Egypt for 11 years, including aid the talented Ramy Ashour to be crowned with the world squash Championship title.
Training Camps
Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre offers some of the leading sporting facilities in the UK, ideal for sports training camps. Servicing the training camps of many renowned sporting teams and organisations, Barcelona FC, Manchester United, England Rugby Sevens. We are used regularly by the England RFU and England FA, and have also hosted for numerous overseas teams in multiple sports. We offer amenities of the highest caliber for sports camps. Our private facilities and dedicated staff ensure that you get the optimum performance from your athletes during your training camps and enabling them to achieve their goals.
Below shows the list of Sports Facilities offered at Bisham Abbey for training camps:
- Three grass FA standard pitches with pitch side filming platforms.
- Three RFU standard pitches with pitch side filming platform.
- 1.2 million International, water-based Astro turf pitch &Training D’s corresponding with 2012 Olympic stadium surface
- Tennis - Four High performance Centre standard outdoor acrylic courts
- Four High performance Centre standard outdoor Clay courts
- Four High performance Centre standard outdoor acrylic courts.
Bisham Abbey, situated in the beautiful Buckinghamshire Countryside, is the prestigious training camps venue for over 20 different sports and organisations that use not only the sporting facilities but also the on-site accommodation and full board service available on this fantastic 43 acre site. They can also assist in arranging competitions for your team if necessary. In particular they have strong contacts in Football, Hockey, Rugby and Tennis.
Facilities
All the facilities that available at Bisham Abbey are:
- 5-a-side football
- 4 indoor tennis courts
- 8 outdoor tennis courts
- Accommodation
- Astroturf
- Bar
- Cafe
- Conference rooms
- Corporate hospiltality
- Fitness facilities (Gym)
- Function rooms
- Golf
- Group training (aerobics)
- Meeting rooms
- Outdoor pitches
- Personal training
- Sauna / steam room
- Sports courses
- Squash
- Weddings
History
The manor house was built around 1260 as a community house for two Knights Templar. When the Templars were suppressed in 1307, King Edward II took over the manorial rights, granting them to various relatives.
In 1310 the building was used as a place of confinement for Queen Elizabeth of the Scots, wife of King Robert the Bruce, along with her stepdaughter Princess Marjorie and sister–in–law, Lady Christine of Carrick. They had been captured on the Isle of Rathlin during the Scottish Wars of Succession, and were placed in the charge of the King’s Yeoman, John Bentley, for two years, until removed to Windsor.
In 1335 the manor was bought by William Montacute, 1st Earl of Salisbury and in 1337 he founded Bisham Priory alongside.
Henry VIII granted the manor house to Anne of Cleves as part of her divorce settlement from him, and it was later bought by the Hoby family, who lived there until 1768. Elizabeth I was a regular visitor in the time of the Hoby family.
Bisham Priory was built for the Austin Canons. The foundation stone laid in 1337 by King Edward II of England and the brass plaque once affixed to it can still be seen at Denchworth. When the founder, the 1st Earl of Salisbury, died, he was buried at the priory, as were many later Earls of Salisbury, including Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, who was buried in April 1471.
Despite holding some relics of Saints Cosmas and Damian, the priory never really became a centre of pilgrimage: many other churches also held relics of the same saints, including two different locations which both claimed to have their skulls.
Bisham Priory was dissolved on 5 July 1537, but six months later, on 18 December, it was re-found as a Benedictine abbey. This was not to last though as it was finally dissolved on 19 June 1538. The abbot of Bisham, John Cordery, is said to have cursed the building thus: "As God is my witness, this property shall ne’er be inherited by two direct successors, for its sons will be hounded by misfortune", as he was dragged from it. Nothing remains of the abbey church or its associated buildings.
The manor house is now run by Leisure Connection Ltd on behalf of Sport England
In 1310 the building was used as a place of confinement for Queen Elizabeth of the Scots, wife of King Robert the Bruce, along with her stepdaughter Princess Marjorie and sister–in–law, Lady Christine of Carrick. They had been captured on the Isle of Rathlin during the Scottish Wars of Succession, and were placed in the charge of the King’s Yeoman, John Bentley, for two years, until removed to Windsor.
In 1335 the manor was bought by William Montacute, 1st Earl of Salisbury and in 1337 he founded Bisham Priory alongside.
Henry VIII granted the manor house to Anne of Cleves as part of her divorce settlement from him, and it was later bought by the Hoby family, who lived there until 1768. Elizabeth I was a regular visitor in the time of the Hoby family.
Bisham Priory was built for the Austin Canons. The foundation stone laid in 1337 by King Edward II of England and the brass plaque once affixed to it can still be seen at Denchworth. When the founder, the 1st Earl of Salisbury, died, he was buried at the priory, as were many later Earls of Salisbury, including Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, who was buried in April 1471.
Despite holding some relics of Saints Cosmas and Damian, the priory never really became a centre of pilgrimage: many other churches also held relics of the same saints, including two different locations which both claimed to have their skulls.
Bisham Priory was dissolved on 5 July 1537, but six months later, on 18 December, it was re-found as a Benedictine abbey. This was not to last though as it was finally dissolved on 19 June 1538. The abbot of Bisham, John Cordery, is said to have cursed the building thus: "As God is my witness, this property shall ne’er be inherited by two direct successors, for its sons will be hounded by misfortune", as he was dragged from it. Nothing remains of the abbey church or its associated buildings.
The manor house is now run by Leisure Connection Ltd on behalf of Sport England
The Fourth National sporting facility chosen would be the Wembley Stadium Wembley
Wembley Stadium has been the home of English football since 1923, the new Wembley Stadium opened in Spring 2007 and quickly reestablished itself as the country’s leading venue for sports and entertainment events. Operated by Wembley National Stadium Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of The Football Association, the new stadium offers up to 90,000 fans the opportunity to watch world-class events with unrivalled views of the action in state-of-the-art facilities. Wembley Stadium plays host to The FA’s flagship events including all senior England home internationals, The FA Cup Final and Semi Finals, The Community Shield and The FA Carlsberg Vase and Trophy Finals. In addition, the venue is home to Rugby League’s Carnegie Challenge Cup Final traditionally held in August each year and The Football League’s showcase events including The Carling Cup Final, The Coca Cola Football League Play Off Finals and The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. The stadium as also hosted American football games, motosport and much more.
Seats and boxes (Hospitality)
Beneath the iconic Wembley arch, 90,000 seats offer uninterrupted views of the action. One of those seats could be yours until 2018. Club Wembley is the finest way to enjoy all the action at one of the world's greatest stadiums.
This is your chance to choose the right seat for you from commanding corner views to fantastic half-way line seats or even the exclusivity of a corporate box.
Guaranteed events include:
- All England Senior home games
- The FA Cup Final
- Both FA Cup Semi-Finals
- The FA Community Shield
- The Football League Cup Final
- The Rugby League Challenge Cup Final
Club Wembley International Seats include England International Senior home games only.
You'll also have first option to purchase tickets or hospitality packages for the Football League Play-Offs, world class concerts and other sporting events.
As a Club Wembley member you'll enter the stadium by an exclusive entrance and enjoy a private concourse with a kilometre-long stretch of cafés and bars, including the superb Champagne and Seafood bars. You'll also receive a free match programme for all the above mentioned events.
Facts and figures
- Capacity - 90,000
- Tiers - 3
- 688 food and drink service points
- 2618 toilets
- Stadium roof rises to 52 metres above the pitch
- Wembley is shadowed by an arch which 133 metres above the level of the external concourse
Wembley History
- At the end of the First World War in 1918, the Government began planning a British Empire Exhibition with a stadium as a National Sports Ground as its centrepiece. The Wembley Park Leisure Ground, which by then had evolved into an 18-hole golf course, was selected as the ideal site. The Exhibition area covered 219 acres and the area on which Watkin's Folly had stood was chosen as the site for the new stadium.
- The first event in the old stadium was the famous 'white horse cup final' of 1923. Over the years, the stadium was regularly updated and improved. Floodlights were added in 1955. Whilst the electric scoreboard and the all encircling roof, made from aluminium and translucent glass, were added in 1963. Those changes aside, the structure of the stadium remained essentially the same as it was in 1924 and the old stadium struggled to meet the developing needs of sports fans when it was finally closed in 2000.
Events
There are quite a few events that occur annualy at Wembley. The main ones are:
- England International football matches
- Johnstone Paint Trophy Final
- FA Cup final
- Carling Cup final
- Community Shield
- Champions League final 2011
- Live Concerts
- NFL
- Motorsport
Special Events
The Bobby Moore Room, The Great Hall, Atrium, The Suite, Arc and The Venue are all wonderfully different rooms, designed to provide a fresh and exciting approach to bringing your event to life. First class facilities, each unique in design and decor ensure a venue selection that truly reflects ambience and quality for a full spectrum of special events.
- Banquets and gala events
- Conferences and large meetings
- Cocktail receptions
- Boardroom meetings
- Exhibitions
- Annual General Meetings
- Themed Events
- Awards Ceremonies
- Product Launches
- Graduation Ceremonies
- Weddings
In partnership with our chosen catering partner, Delaware North Companies (Wembley) our team of chefs create menus that go beyond expectations by sourcing the finest seasonal product, preparing each dish to exacting standards, presenting each dish with flair and providing a service unmatched in detail and professionalism which sets the Wembley Stadium experience apart.
Room Capacity | Conference | Banquet | Cocktails |
Bobby Moore Room | 1000 | 1900 | 3250 |
The Great Hall | 1000 | 1100 | 2000 |
Atrium | 520 | 750 | 1500 |
The Wembley Suit | 150 | 400 | 500 |
Arc | - | - | 800 |
The Venue | - | - | 800 |
AO 3
Describe the role of the private, public and voluntary sectors in providing local sporting opportunities and facilities
AO3
AO4
Describe the aims of three national organisations involved in the development of sport
AO4
AO5
Describe sources of funding used to support two sports at a local level
AO 5
AO6
List the specific needs of four different user groups which may affect their participation in sport
AO 6
AO7
For each of the four different user groups identified in Assessment Objective 6 suggest ways to increase their participation in sport
AO 7
