We want your visit to the Olympic Stadium to be as memorable as possible. Make sure you’re prepared for your London 2012 experience by reading the information below – and don’t forget to plan and book your travel in advance.
Get information on visiting the Olympic Stadium during the Paralympic Games
When to arrive
Aim to arrive at the Olympic Park 2.5 hours before your session starts so you have plenty of time to go through airport-style security screening and get to the Olympic Stadium.
Plan your journey to the Olympic Park (Olympic Stadium)
The Stadium will open two hours before your session. Your ticket will show you which bridge to use as you approach the venue.
Collecting tickets from this venue? See the latest London 2012 box office information
Please note that recommended arrival times are for guidance only. There is no re-entry.
Ceremonies
If you're going to the Olympic Opening Ceremony, gates to the Olympic Park and the Stadium open at 5pm. For the Closing Ceremony, gates open at 5.30pm.
You should aim to be in your seat inside the Stadium by 7.30pm at the latest, in time for the pre-show. Please note that the majority of the Olympic Park will be closed for Ceremonies, and access will be via Stratford and Greenway Gates only – just follow the signs and directions from staff on the day.
If you have a ticket for bridge E, please use bridges A, B or C as you approach the Stadium. If you have a ticket for bridge D, please use bridge C.
Please note: the Opening Ceremony is expected to end between 12 midnight and 12.30am, and the Closing Ceremony is expected to finish at around 11.30pm.
Please be aware that both Ceremonies will feature flashing lights and loud noises.
Gate closures on 12 August
Due to preparations for the Closing Ceremony, the Olympic Park will be operating differently on 12 August, with gates closing at different times. Victoria Gate will close for entry at 2pm and for exit at 3pm. All other Park gates will close for entry at 4pm (so sports ticket holders on 12 August must be in the Park by then).
Stratford and Greenway Gates will reopen at 5.30pm for the Closing Ceremony.
Safety and security
When you get to the Olympic Park, you’ll be asked to go through airport-style security screening. With so much going on and thousands of people arriving at the same time, you should expect to wait.
In general, please try to bring as little as possible with you – it will help you get through security screening more quickly.
One soft-sided bag is allowed per person – for example, a medium-sized handbag or small backpack (maximum 25 litres). The bag should be small enough to fit under your seat or on your lap. There is nowhere to store luggage.
You cannot bring in the following:
- Liquids, aerosols or gels in quantities larger than 100ml. This includes drinks, perfume and other cosmetics and gels
- Alcohol
- Glass bottles larger than 100ml (excluding medication contained in glass bottles)
There are also restrictions on the size and use of some items inside the venue, including:
- Excessive amounts of food
- Large flags, oversized hats and large umbrellas
Download the full list of prohibited and restricted items and restrictions on liquids, aerosols and gels
Find our more about safety and security at the Games
The Stadium is an open-air venue, so please check the weather forecast and come prepared.
Services and facilities
The Olympic Stadium has a wide range of services and facilities, including plenty of food and drink stands, toilets and baby changing facilities, the Games Mobility service, plus the London 2012 Shop.
'Spectator medical' icon: The icon for 'Spectator medical' on the venue map resembles the red cross emblem. The red cross emblem is a protective symbol and its use is restricted by law. The sign used to signify first aid and other health care services at the venue is a white cross on a green background.
Download a map of the Olympic Stadium
Explore our map of the Olympic Park
Food and drink
There’s a great variety of food and drink available to buy inside the Olympic Stadium, from healthy and filling meals to tasty treats.
Read about our commitment to providing sustainably, locally sourced food
Payment
The only way to pay is by Visa (debit, credit or prepaid card) or cash: ATM cash machines are available inside the Olympic Park, and these only accept Visa. There are no ATM cash machines inside the Stadium.
Recycling
Help us make London 2012 the first zero-waste Games – please recycle while you’re at the Games.
Recycling in venues couldn’t be easier. All food and drink packaging will feature a green, orange or black symbol – so all you have to do is put your packaging in the matching coloured bin.
Lost property
If you lose something during your visit to the Olympic Park, or find something that doesn’t belong to you, visit an information point on the day or contact the London 2012 Lost and Found Claim Centre
Any questions?
If you’ve got a question about your visit to the Olympic Stadium, ask our virtual agent
On the day, you can visit a London 2012 information point for venue and sports information, transport updates, lost and found services, pushchair and wheelchair storage and more. Our Games Makers are always happy to help.
If you have a ticketing query, please go to the ticket resolution office at the venue or visit the London 2012 Ticketing website
Spectator guides
Download the Athletics spectator guide
