One year to go until the Olympics
25th July 2011
One year to go until the Olympics
Today (Monday) marks one year to go until the start of the world’s greatest sporting spectacle taking place in Coventry.
The first London 2012 Olympic football tournament match at the City of Coventry Stadium will kick off on July 25, 2012 – two days ahead of the official opening in the capital city.
Qualifying matches for the football tournament are still taking place across the globe and the draw will take place in spring.
Twelve men’s and women’s matches will take place at the City of Coventry Stadium – which will be the temporary name of the Ricoh Arena for the duration of the Games – in eight days with a combination of preliminary games, a quarter-final and the women’s bronze final on August 9.
Daniel Gidney, chief executive of the City of Coventry Stadium, said excitement was already building as Coventry prepares to become the first city in England to stage a 2012 Olympic event.
“It is amazing to think that in one year’s time we will be hosting Olympic football here in Coventry,” he said.
“We will be starting with a double-header on July 25 and we can’t wait. Preparations have been underway for quite some time and everyone involved is looking forward to being involved in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“We want as many people as possible throughout the Midlands to be involved in the magic of the Olympics.
“It really is a privilege for this to be taking place in our city and it is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the city to the rest of the world.”
Councillor George Duggins, deputy leader of Coventry City Council, said: “In just 12 months time Coventry will be the first English city to host an Olympic event as part of London 2012 and that is something we should be very proud of.
“This will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase our city to a worldwide audience as we receive visitors from right across the globe and welcome the international media to cover our role in hosting part of the greatest sporting event on earth.
“There are so many ways to be involved with London 2012 between now and the first football match in Coventry on July 25 and I would encourage as many people as possible to find out how they can engage now before it is too late!”
For further information on hospitality packages at the City of Coventry Stadium email loft@ccfc.co.uk
For more information about London 2012-related activity taking place in the region, visit www.coventry.gov.uk/london2012
