Road to Rio: Olympic Venues

The open ceremony of the 2016 Olympic Games is one week from tonight! Not only do the Olympic games allow athletes to shine, but puts the spotlight directly on the host city. Host cities spend years building and perfecting their venues to be ready when the world's watching.

MARCANA

The Marcana Stadium will stage the opening and closing ceremonies, along with the finals of both men's and women' soccer. Maracana Stadium hosted the 2014 World Cup.

SAMBODROMO

Sambodromo is most know for hosting samba school parade during carnival. This venue will host events such as archery and the marathon for the 2016 games.

RIO OLYMPIC ARENA

This arena was built in 2007 for the Pan American Games. For the Rio Olympics it will host artistic, rhythmic, and trampoline gymnastics.

PONTAL

Pontal is a temporary facility located on the coast in Rio's Western Zone. It marks the starting and finishing line for road cycling.

ENGENHAO (OLYMPIC STADIUM)

Like the Olympic Arena, the Olympic Stadium was built in 2007 for the Pan American Games. This summer it will host soccer and track and field events.

OLYMPIC AQUATICS STADIUM

The aquatics stadium is the stage of swimming competitions and water polo finals. The venue has two swimming pool, one for events and one for warming up. This is a temporary structure that will be dismantled after the Games.

To see more venues in Rio click here!