|
|
Spurs bid for Olympic 2012 stadium without athletics track
Attempt to move into Olympic ground could hit stumbling block
5 Oct 2010 21:10:00
By Michael Landon
Tottenham's bid to move into the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 games does not include any provision for an athletics track.
Spurs made a shock last-minute move last week to be able to take over the Stratford venue after the London Olympics have concluded in conjunction with entertainment gaint AEG.
London rivals West Ham had also moved to use the stadium.
But the Lilywhites do not want a track running around the outside of the pitch should they move in, claimed chief executive Timothy Leiweke, which makes it extremely unlikely their bid will be accepted by the Olympic Legacy company.
“I think it is a crime if you sacrifice having a perfect football stadium for convincing yourself you are going to do a track and field event every 10 years,” Leiweke was quoted as saying in the London Evening Standard.
London 2012 promised the International Olympic Committee when it won the right to host the Games that an athletics track, capable of staging major events, would be part of the legacy of staging the tournament.
AEG Europe chief executive David Campbell believes the athletics track is not a deal breaker.
The wording of the invite for expressions of interest in the stadium by the OPLC, which will decide the venue's future, does not oblige bidders to retain a running track, he claims.
Campbell said: “It is about fan experience which is absolutely a part of what we do.”
West Ham also want the stadium but Campbell added: “Spurs is economically and commercially viable — I think it is more commercially viable than other bids. We are not crazy. We do not do things that do not work in the end. We do not back losers.”
Spurs made a shock last-minute move last week to be able to take over the Stratford venue after the London Olympics have concluded in conjunction with entertainment gaint AEG.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
London rivals West Ham had also moved to use the stadium.
But the Lilywhites do not want a track running around the outside of the pitch should they move in, claimed chief executive Timothy Leiweke, which makes it extremely unlikely their bid will be accepted by the Olympic Legacy company.
“I think it is a crime if you sacrifice having a perfect football stadium for convincing yourself you are going to do a track and field event every 10 years,” Leiweke was quoted as saying in the London Evening Standard.
London 2012 promised the International Olympic Committee when it won the right to host the Games that an athletics track, capable of staging major events, would be part of the legacy of staging the tournament.
AEG Europe chief executive David Campbell believes the athletics track is not a deal breaker.
The wording of the invite for expressions of interest in the stadium by the OPLC, which will decide the venue's future, does not oblige bidders to retain a running track, he claims.
Campbell said: “It is about fan experience which is absolutely a part of what we do.”
West Ham also want the stadium but Campbell added: “Spurs is economically and commercially viable — I think it is more commercially viable than other bids. We are not crazy. We do not do things that do not work in the end. We do not back losers.”
Follow the Premier League LIVE on Goal.com:
Commentaries, Stats, Player Ratings and much more,
Visit Goal.com Live Scores!
Commentaries, Stats, Player Ratings and much more,
Visit Goal.com Live Scores!
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
Poll: Who should have replaced Cahill in the England squad?
Martin Kelly has replaced Cahill in the Three Lions squad going to Poland and Ukraine, but would Rio Ferdinand or Micah Richards have been more deserving?
-
Cartoon: Terry & Cahill add to England's injury concerns
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day...
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
