Current:Home > InvestOlympic Stadium in Athens closed for urgent repairs after iconic roof found riddled with rust-InfoLens
Olympic Stadium in Athens closed for urgent repairs after iconic roof found riddled with rust
View Date:2024-12-23 20:53:20
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A new inspection has been ordered at the stadium that hosted the 2004 Athens Olympics after rust was found along the iconic arched roof, forcing the site to close, government officials said Monday.
The 70,000-seat Olympic Stadium, Greece’s largest, and nearby Olympic Velodrome are covered by white-ribbed steel roofs designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava — similar in style to much of his later work, including the Oculus Transportation Hub in downtown New York.
The two Greek sports facilities were shuttered late Friday after failing a safety inspection launched in April and overseen by a public asset agency. The velodrome was evacuated while hosting a national bridge tournament, attended by several hundred people.
It was the latest headache for Greek authorities in managing costly Olympic venues around the capital, many remaining underused or mothballed.
Syriza, the main left-wing opposition party, accused the government of botching plans to renovate the Olympic complex.
“The Calatrava roof: In 2004, it was a symbol of a country that was hosting the Olympic Games. In 2023, it is the symbol of a country that is falling apart at every level,” opposition leader Stefanos Kasselakis said.
The government said it had included the Olympic complex renovation project under plans submitted to the European Union for funding assistance, defending its decision to try to overcome chronic maintenance delays.
“It is a known fact that the (Olympic Stadium) had not been maintained for two decades. Who does not feel disappointed when they see the pictures of such important facilities that have been left to their fate for so many years?” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who was first elected in 2019, wrote in an online post. “That is what we are changing. That is why we are investing, that is why we have initiated this redevelopment, and that is why (safety) studies are being carried out.”
The Olympic Stadium closure will force Greek soccer club Panathinaikos to seek another venue for its upcoming Europa League games against French team Rennes and Israeli club Maccabi Haifa.
A second inspection will be led by the Technical Chamber of Greece, the professional association of engineers which advises the government on public works projects.
Yiannis Vroutsis, a deputy minister for sports, said it was too soon to say when the stadium would reopen, arguing that details of the second safety inspection would have to be studied first.
___
AP coverage of the Paris Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
veryGood! (484)
Related
- Birth control and abortion pill requests have surged since Trump won the election
- Messi, Inter Miami defeat Cincinnati FC: Miami wins dramatic US Open Cup semifinal in PKs
- Philadelphia Zoo welcomes two orphaned puma cubs rescued from Washington state
- Cardinals cut bait on Isaiah Simmons, trade former first-round NFL draft pick to Giants
- Steelers' Mike Tomlin shuts down Jayden Daniels Lamar comparison: 'That's Mr. Jackson'
- Former residents of a New Hampshire youth center demand federal investigation into abuse claims
- TikToker Alix Earle Addresses Nose Job Speculation
- The Ultimatum's Brian and Lisa Reveal Where Their Relationship Stands After Pregnancy Bombshell
- Man waives jury trial in killing of Georgia nursing student
- 4 arrested in twin newborn Amber Alert case in Michigan; many questions remain unanswered
Ranking
- These Yellowstone Gift Guide Picks Will Make You Feel Like You’re on the Dutton Ranch
- New flame retardants found in breast milk years after similar chemicals were banned
- 'It's go time:' With Bruce Bochy as manager, all's quiet in midst of Rangers losing streak
- Bachelor Nation's Hannah Godwin Details Marrying Best Friend Dylan Barbour
- Vermont man is fit to stand trial over shooting of 3 Palestinian college students
- Chicken N' Pickle, growing 'eatertainment' chain, gets boost from Super Bowl champs
- Everyone experiences intrusive thoughts. Here's how to deal with them.
- Former death row inmate in Mississippi to be resentenced to life with possibility of parole
Recommendation
-
Mississippi rising, Georgia falling in college football NCAA Re-Rank 1-134 after Week 11
-
Visitors to Lincoln Memorial say America has its flaws but see gains made since March on Washington
-
What exactly is colostrum, the popular supplement? And is it good for you?
-
Fed Chair Powell could signal the likelihood of high rates for longer in closely watched speech
-
Best fits for Corbin Burnes: 6 teams that could match up with Cy Young winner
-
Is olive oil healthy? Everything you need to know about the benefits.
-
What exactly is colostrum, the popular supplement? And is it good for you?
-
The 6 most shocking moments and revelations from HBO's new Bishop Sycamore documentary