Wembley Stadium Arch lit in Celebration
6th July 2005

Wembley Stadium's spectacular 133m high Arch will be lit tonight (Wednesday 6th July) in celebration of London being awarded the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. The fantastic news was announced live from Singapore by the President of the IOC, Jacques Rogge and was broadcast across the world. The much anticipated decision comes after months of planning and campaigning by the London 2012 bid team, who have worked tirelessly to put together a bid that will not only deliver a hugely successful London Olympic Games in 2012 but will also deliver a lasting legacy for sport in Great Britain.

Wembley Stadium will proudly host the Olympic football finals in 2012 when athletes and sports fans from all over the world will descend upon the capital. Wembley National Stadium Limited (WNSL) is delighted to have played its part in helping the London 2012 bid and extends its congratulations to Sebastian Coe and the rest of the London 2012 team for putting together a winning bid.

WNSL Chief Executive, Michael Cunnah escorted Sebastian Coe, Chairman of London 2012 on a tour of the new Wembley Stadium in October last year

Michael Cunnah, Chief Executive of WNSL said "This result is testament to the efforts of many people, in particular the bid team. Wembley Stadium has shown the benefits of putting sporting venues at the heart of regeneration and we look forward to Stratford’s transformation. It’s a boost to sport in this country and we are honoured to be involved."

The IOC Evaluation Commission visited Wembley Stadium as part of their four day visit to London in February 2005. Michael Cunnah and Sir Bobby Charlton welcomed the delegation to Wembley Stadium and presented the venue to the commission and the arch was lit to provide a warm welcome to the IOC delegation when they arrived in London.

Michael Cunnah said "I felt confident when I saw the reaction of the IOC commission to Sir Bobby Charlton’s emotional speech outlining how important Wembley was to the nation, what it means to England. I was privileged to be there."

In addition to Wembley Stadium being a host venue, The FA have played an active role in backing the London bid throughout the campaign. FA chief executive Brian Barwick said: "On behalf of The FA, I would like to offer congratulations to the entire London 2012 team.  It is a huge boost for British sport and the IOC decision is a tremendous credit to everyone involved with the bid.

"The FA has been proud to offer its support throughout the campaign.  Last year, the senior men's England squad gave its backing to London 2012 whilst head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson and captain David Beckham were in Singapore this week to support Lord Coe and his team.

"In February, The IOC Evaluation Committee visited Wembley Stadium on their four-day London tour, where the Olympic football finals will be held.  Not only were the IOC  impressed with the development of this world-class ground but it also underlined how a major sporting venue can completely regenerate the surrounding area - as East London will soon experience.

From left to right: Sebastian Coe, Chairman of London 2012, Councillor Ann John, Leader of Brent Council and Michael Cunnah Chief Executive of WNSL back the bid on site at Wembley

"Both Euro '96 and Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games unearthed the incredible passion this country has for multi-national events and there is no doubt that the London 2012 Olympic Games will be a huge success."

Although the focus of the 2012 Olympics will be in East London, where a large area of land has been identified for the site of a purpose-built Olympic park, the Bid team have always stressed the importance of including London’s "sporting crown jewels", such as Wembley Stadium, Lord’s and Wimbledon.

Sebastian Coe, Chairman of London 2012 has described Wembley Stadium as "A truly iconic venue, known the world over. It will be a key part in London 2012's plans and will be a fitting venue for the Olympic football finals."

Sebastian Coe underneath the Wembley Arch during his visit in October 2004

The Wembley Stadium project was a positive example to show the IOC of a large-scale infrastructure and regeneration project. Back in September 2004, Wembley Stadium was fortunate to have Tony Blair as a special guest at the venue’s Topping Out ceremony. Mr Blair was bowled over with the new Stadium and the magnificent Arch and spoke out about how Wembley Stadium was a shining example for the IOC of what this nation can do. He said: "It shows we can build the biggest and the best."

The Wembley Stadium Arch will be lit from sunset until 10.30pm this evening (Wednesday 6th July).