The Richmond Oval – Olympic Speed Skating in Style
The Richmond Olympic Oval is the long track speed skating venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and bound to be eye-candy for viewers around the world. A 15 minute train ride down the new Canada rail line from downtown Vancouver, With its floor to ceiling views of the Fraser River and North Shore Mountains, not only is the vista impressive, but so are the numbers:
*12 long-track speed skating events
*36 medals awarded
*capacity 8,000
*1.1 million cubic feet of concrete
*a 6.5 acre roof that can accommodate four jetliners wing to wing across the floor.
*one million board feet primarily of pine beetle lumber.
*$178 milion construction cost
Honored with several awards including the Institution of Structural Engineers 2009 Award for Sports or Leisure Structures, the building has spacious, modern interiors featuring wood floors, natural light and a broad public art program incorporated into the Oval itself and its immediate surroundings. After the Games,the facility will offer an inspiring environment for all skill levels-from fitness rookies to sports superstars-to progress towards their own personal podiums not only for speed skating but also basketball, badminton and indoor rowing. But for now, it is the cathedral for Shani Davis to shine in.
America's Shani Davis
