Olympic Opening Ceremony 2012: Fast Facts About the Olympic Stadium

The Olympics are almost here, and like years before, the host city has gone out of their way to build the best stadium possible to house what is perhaps the world's most important international competition. 

London's "Olympic Stadium" (yes, that's the building's official name—not very creative) looks to impress the world as all eyes are set upon it this Friday during the opening. 

However, before you watch the ceremony with friends and family, check out these fast facts about the stadium. Memorize them and impress those around you. 

Cost

One of the most expensive buildings in the world, London's Olympic Stadium cost £486 million ($753 million). 

Compare that to China's Bird's Nest stadium, which only cost $423 million to build. 

Capacity

The Olympic Stadium is expected to hold a total capacity of 80,000 people during Friday's opening ceremony—an impressive number, but one that lags behind Beijing's 91,000 at the 2008 opening ceremony. 

Reviews

According to the Sydney Morning Herald: "Opinion is divided on London's Olympic stadium for the 2012 Games, with reviews ranging from 'magnificent' to a "bowl of blancmange." 

Toxic Hazards

Due to "tons of radioactive waste" buried near the site of the stadium, London's Olympic Stadium may be hazardous, according to UK newspaper The Guardian.

Those in attendance needn't worry, as the radioactive waste is not an immediate threat—probably. 

Future Uses

After this year's Olympics, the stadium will once again be used for international competition during the 2012 Paralympics and again in 2017 when the stadium will host the World Championships in Athletics. 

Not the First Olympic Stadium in London

2012 will be the third time that London has hosted the Olympic Games. 

First in 1908 and again in 1948 (London was set to host the 1944 Olympics, but those games were cancelled due to the Second World War). 

The first stadium to host these games was the Great Stadium, later renamed the White City Stadium. The stadium stood as a historic landmark until it was demolished in 1985. 

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