Despite a 14-month delay in getting started, the construction works at the Tokyo National Stadium has been completed ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games, where it will serve as the centerpiece stadium.
At a cost of over US$1.25bn, works began in December 2016 on the 60,000-seater venue. However, this was far later than originally planned due to initial plans for a Zaha Hadid design being scrapped as a result of the opposition to its spiraling costs.
Yet, the Japan Sports Council announced all final works had been completed on November 14, with only the remaining quality and safety checks yet to conduct prior to the venue’s opening on December 21.
The National Stadium is one of eight new venues being built for the Games, which takes place from July 24, 2020.
The first event to be held at the National Stadium will be the Emperor’s Cup soccer final on January 1.
