Going to the London Olympic Stadium

[Aparecium]

Dh and I are going to the London Olympic Stadium on Sunday, to watch some athletics competition. I have literally never been in a stadium in my life, never thought I ever would, as I have little interest in watching sport. Surely it's better to watch on TV, with closeups and rewinds?

Anyway, we're going, and I am a little apprehensive. What if it rains? (I've put a bin liner in my bag.) What if I'm stuck in a hard chair bored out of my tree all day? (I've put a crochet project in my bag.) What if? What if? What if?

What's it like spending the day watching athletics at a big stadium?

Wear/take layers from lightweight summer wear to rain gear. Suntan lotion, sunglasses and baseball cap, it’s easy to get burnt.

A long sleeve cotton shirt is a great top as it stops you getting sunburnt but is also cool enough if it’s hot.

Flat comfortable shoes. A fleece can be used to make a seat slightly more comfortable as well as keep you warm if you are in the shade.

Binoculars - small light weight, if you have them, means you can see the screens to follow the events and see the action in other parts of the stadium regardless of where you sit.

You can get up and walk around. There are food vans etc. - horribly expensive but necessary.

Be prepared to queue, particularly getting back to the tube. They filter you along a closed road and it can take ages.

You will have a great time just go with the flow.

We went there to watch the Olympics and it's a great stadium.

There's something quite amazing being in a stadium full of people watching athletics etc

I'm not even that into watching sport but the atmosphere is brilliant

Thanks for the tips!

Sounds like a lot to fit into a 30 x 20 x 20cm bag. How fussy are they about the size of your bag?

About the walking around, is it like in a theatre, where you disturb everyone between you and the aisle, or can you get past other spectators without them having to stand up?

I hope the departure queues don't mean we get crammed into in passageways. Crowds in passageways always make me feel trapped and uneasy. I'm no mosher.

There are big screens so you’ll still get close ups.

It’s not like being in a theatre at all. People will be coming and going.

It’s far from sold out and people don’t leave athletics events on the final whistle like football, so leaving will be civilised.

I do have to ask why you’re going??

Because dh wanted to. Athletics is marginally more interesting than football, and the crowds less overwhelming. Why not try? I'm up for a new experience.

But the last couple of weeks have been stressful (nothing to do with this outing) and I haven't been sleeping well, which always inflates any worries.

Athletics I have been to is quite full on, you have almost no break, because the field events take place between the track ones.

The 'London Stadium' or Olympic Stadium as it should be called, is quite spacious away from the seating, as it is a modern stadium.

Hope you and DH enjoy it.

It is almost completely sold out!

I never imagined how noisy it would be. The sound of tens of thousands of people all clapping in synch! The noise when they all cheer together - it's overwhelming!

The infrastructure of the event is as interesting as the athletics. There are little, white, remote control vans collecting the thrown shot and discus, and the setting up and tidying away of the hurdles is like a cross between a baker and a military operation.