Architects HOK Sport have unveiled their design for the stadium for the London 2012 Olympics.

The 80,000 seat stadium will be the centrepiece for the 2012 Games hosting the opening and closing ceremonies and the athletics events. It can be converted down to a 25,000 seat permanent stadium after the Games when it will become a new home for athletics and other uses.

The main features of the design are:

• Bowl – a sunken bowl built into the ground for the field of play and lower permanent seating, designed to bring spectators close to the action;
• Seats – 25,000 permanent, 55,000 demountable;
• Roof – a cable-supported roof will stretch 28m the whole way around the stadium, providing cover for two thirds of spectators;
• Wrap – a fabric curtain will wrap around the stadium structure, acting as additional protection and shelter for spectators;
• Pods – facilities such as catering and merchandising will be grouped into self-contained ‘pod’ structures, adding to the spectator experience around the access level of the stadium.

For further information read the press release from the Olympic Delivery Authority.