The transformation of the Horse Guards Parade near Buckingham Palace
“into a 15,000-seat Olympic beach volleyball arena” is London’s “most
unusual construction project in recent memory,” according to Jeanne
Whalen of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. Aiming to “create one of the London
Olympics' signature visuals, organizers decided to place the arena at
the foot of St. James's Park.” It meant “building what is essentially a
pop-up sports arena.” Construction crews "weren't allowed to start
carting in equipment until June 6, after the celebrations marking the
anniversary of the Queen's 60 years on the throne.” LOCOG Venues &
Infrastructure Dir James Bulley said that “finessing the project has
required ‘very close collaboration’ with the palace.” Whalen writes,
“The Queen didn't spike the construction plans, but her schedule didn't
make it easy. Workers had to hide the portable toilets and other
unsightly paraphernalia from the TV cameras during her birthday
celebrations.” The temporary venue was designed by Populous, which
planned many of the Games' venues. Construction site security guard Sam
Finbow said the Queen “must've OK'd it because she says what goes down
here.” He added, “She's probably looking forward to all the greased-up
men with six-packs and little shorts. She's probably got a great view
out her window” (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 7/17).
