Wembley Arena - London venues

Sport: Badminton, Gymnastics - Rhythmic

Although synonymous with live music, Wembley Arena in northwest London is also one of the capital's most iconic sporting venues. In recent years, it has hosted snooker, darts, hockey and wrestling events.

It is London's second largest indoor arena after North Greenwich Arena.

The design and build

Wembley Arena was built for the 1934 British Empire Games (now known as the Commonwealth Games) and originally housed a swimming pool. The pool was last used for the London 1948 Olympic Games.

Along with the renovation of the adjacent Wembley Stadium, Wembley Arena recently underwent refurbishment. Comparatively little needs to be done to prepare the venue for hosting Badminton and Rhythmic Gymnastics during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Flooring, lighting and other competition requirements will be installed within the arena, while temporary training, warm-up halls and an operations compound will also be provided.

After the Games

The arena will return to its role as a world-class live music and sports venue.