Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Center
The Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Center (Ολυμπιακό Ιππικό Κέντρο στο Μαρκόπουλο) is an equestrian center in Markopoulo near Athens . It was a venue for the 2004 Summer Olympics .
construction
The relatively central area of the old racetrack (near the Karaiskakis stadium ) in Faliro was too small and only suitable to a limited extent for the activities of the equestrian clubs, which they wanted to concentrate in one place (the Stavros Niarchos Foundation was later established at the old location Cultural Center ).
In the architecture competition, in addition to the pure competition facility, the construction of a riding school, exhibition areas, a riding museum and a riding park were tendered. The extensive and remote facility also required the construction of a hotel and a heliport. A golf course was also built for more economical use. 181 million euros were invested in the equestrian center. 656 olive trees had to give way to the new riding center. The trees were not felled, but dug up and replanted at other Olympic competition sites. The completion of the 94 hectare facility was brought forward due to the 2004 Summer Olympics and the Olympic use was taken into account.
In addition to the Olympic sports facilities, a racecourse was also built.
2004 Summer Olympics
The audience capacity was 15,000 for the military, 10,000 for show jumping and 8,100 for dressage.
The following competition venues were in operation during the Summer Olympics:
- Main Cross Country Course with an area of approx. 420,000 m² and a lake with a volume of 10,000 m³.
- Main Jumping Arena of 9,625 m² and 6,000 seats
- Main Dressage Arena of 4,050 m² and 8,000 seats
- Indoor arena with 5,175 m² and 1,116 seats
- Two stable buildings
Use after 2004
Two months after the Olympic Games, the facility was used for the first time for the Greek Nations Cup for show jumpers , which has been held here every year since then. Other show jumping tournaments also take place here, a highlight being the European championship for juniors (up to 18 years of age) and young riders (19 to 21 years of age) from July 6 to July 9, 2006.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Article “Horses don't vomit ” , Benedikt Voigt on www.tagesspiegel.de, August 6, 2004
- ^ Hellenic Horse Racing Organization
- ↑ FEI tournament database: Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Center
Competition venues for the 2004 Summer Olympics
Coordinates: 37 ° 52 ′ 40 ″ N , 23 ° 58 ′ 19 ″ E