Olympic Stadiums That Now Serve Completely Different Purposes
Olympic stadiums are built to dazzle—to host world records, roaring crowds, and moments that etch themselves into history. But once the flame is extinguished and the athletes go home, what becomes of these monumental arenas? Some fall into eerie disrepair, relics of ambition left to crumble. Others, though, embark on second lives that are just as fascinating as their Olympic debut. In this expanded guide to 28 Olympic Stadiums That Now Serve Completely Different Purposes, we uncover the surprising afterlives of these iconic venues. From concert halls and shopping malls to public parks and research labs, these transformations reveal how cities reimagine legacy. These aren’t just structures—they’re stories in motion, proving that the spirit of the Games can live on in wildly unexpected ways. Whether reinvented or reclaimed, each stadium reminds us that greatness isn’t just in how you start—but how you adapt.
1. Montreal’s Olympic Stadium (1976) – Now a Biodome & Urban Farm
Original Purpose: Hosted track and field, football (soccer), and the opening/closing ceremonies of the 1976 Montreal Olympics. New Purpose: An indoor rainforest, ecosystem exhibit, and urban farm. Montreal’s Olympic Stadium—infamous for its runaway construction costs and long-term financial struggles—has found new life as a biodiversity hub. Part of the stadium complex has been transformed into the Montreal Biodome, a living ecosystem exhibit that allows visitors to experience the flora and fauna of different environments, from tropical rainforests to polar tundras. Additionally, portions of the stadium have been repurposed into an urban farm, where sustainable agriculture projects cultivate fresh produce for local communities. This transformation reflects a shift from athletic excellence to environmental consciousness, breathing new life into a structure that once symbolized Montreal’s economic burden.
2. Beijing National Aquatics Center (2008) – Now “The Water Cube” Indoor Water Park
Original Purpose: Hosted swimming, diving, and water polo for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. New Purpose: An indoor water park with slides, wave pools, and family attractions. Beijing’s futuristic National Aquatics Center, known as the Water Cube, was once the stage for record-breaking performances by legendary swimmers like Michael Phelps. However, instead of fading into obscurity, it was transformed into a massive indoor water park after the Games. Now called The Happy Magic Water Cube, it boasts wave pools, artificial beaches, colorful water slides, and even a lazy river, making it one of Beijing’s most popular family attractions. The venue’s reinvention has allowed it to stay financially viable while providing year-round entertainment.
3. London’s Basketball Arena (2012) – Dismantled and Reused for Disaster Relief
Original Purpose: Hosted basketball and handball for the 2012 London Olympics. New Purpose: A modular structure repurposed for disaster relief and temporary housing. London’s Basketball Arena was never meant to last. Constructed with temporary, modular materials, it was fully dismantled after the Games and repurposed for humanitarian aid efforts, including disaster relief and temporary housing projects. This innovative approach ensured that materials from the stadium were not wasted but instead served communities in crisis, setting a precedent for sustainable Olympic planning.
4. Sarajevo’s Olympic Stadium (1984) – Now a War Cemetery
Original Purpose: Hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics. New Purpose: A war cemetery following the Bosnian War. Few Olympic venues have undergone a more tragic transformation than Sarajevo’s Olympic Stadium. Once the pride of Yugoslavia, the venue became a battlefield during the Bosnian War (1992-1995). Today, its once-pristine fields are filled with graves, serving as a solemn reminder of the city’s painful past. Despite its somber new purpose, the stadium still hosts football matches, proving that even in the face of devastation, resilience and remembrance can coexist.
5. Athens’ Olympic Canoe/Kayak Slalom (2004) – Now a Water Park & Go-Kart Track
Original Purpose: Hosted canoe slalom events for the 2004 Athens Olympics. New Purpose: A recreational water park with go-karts. After Athens struggled to find post-Games uses for many of its Olympic venues, some were repurposed in unexpected ways. The canoe/kayak slalom course, once used for elite competition, is now a public water park, complete with floating obstacle courses and splash zones. Nearby, the area has also been converted into a go-kart racing track, turning what was once a symbol of Olympic decline into a thriving leisure facility.
6. Berlin’s Olympiastadion (1936) – Now a Music Venue & Concert Hall
Original Purpose: Hosted the 1936 Berlin Olympics, including track and field events. New Purpose: One of Germany’s premier music and entertainment venues. Originally built under Nazi Germany, Berlin’s Olympiastadion has undergone extensive renovations to distance itself from its past. While it still hosts football matches, it has become one of Europe’s leading concert venues, welcoming artists like U2, Coldplay, and Beyoncé. By repurposing the stadium into a cultural venue, Berlin has transformed a symbol of political propaganda into a space of artistic and communal celebration.
7. Lillehammer’s Olympic Village (1994) – Now a Refugee Center
Original Purpose: Hosted athletes during the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. New Purpose: Converted into housing for refugees.Unlike many Olympic Villages that were abandoned or demolished after the Games, Lillehammer’s athlete accommodations were repurposed for humanitarian aid. Rather than allowing the buildings to sit empty, Norway saw an opportunity to address a global crisis—turning the village into a refugee center to house individuals fleeing war, political unrest, and natural disasters. Since its conversion, the former Olympic housing has welcomed thousands of refugees from conflict zones, including those escaping the Yugoslav Wars, the Syrian civil war, and various crises in Africa and the Middle East. The site provides temporary shelter, essential services, and job-training programs to help new arrivals integrate into Norwegian society. This compassionate repurposing sets an example of how Olympic facilities can be used for greater social good long after the athletes have left. It highlights the potential for host cities to create legacies that extend beyond sports—helping some of the world’s most vulnerable people rebuild their lives.
8. Melbourne’s Olympic Park (1956) – Now Tennis Australia’s Headquarters
Original Purpose: Hosted the 1956 Summer Olympics, including track and field events. New Purpose: The home of the Australian Open and Tennis Australia.Melbourne’s Olympic Park has remained one of the most active former Olympic venues, but its purpose has evolved dramatically since the 1956 Games. Originally designed as a multi-sport facility, the park has gradually transformed into the epicenter of Australian tennis. Today, it houses Tennis Australia’s headquarters and serves as the primary venue for the Australian Open, one of the world’s four Grand Slam tournaments. The complex includes Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and John Cain Arena, each capable of hosting major tennis matches, concerts, and cultural events. The transformation ensured that Melbourne’s Olympic legacy didn’t fade but instead grew into one of the most prestigious annual sporting events on the planet. Beyond elite competition, the facility also supports grassroots tennis programs, youth development initiatives, and public fitness activities, making it a true community asset that benefits both professional athletes and the general public.
9. Moscow’s Olympic Village (1980) – Now University Housing
Original Purpose: Housed athletes during the 1980 Moscow Olympics. New Purpose: Converted into dormitories for university students.Unlike many Olympic Villages that have become ghost towns, Moscow found a way to preserve its athlete housing—by converting it into student dormitories for Moscow State University and other educational institutions. After the Games, rather than letting the accommodations deteriorate, the government retrofitted them to support thousands of students from across Russia and beyond. Today, the former Olympic Village functions as student housing, providing affordable accommodation for young academics, researchers, and international exchange students. This transformation has given new purpose to a once-temporary structure, ensuring that future generations benefit from the Olympic investment. The repurposing of these buildings also helped alleviate Moscow’s housing shortage, making it a win-win scenario for the city and its educational institutions.
10. Albertville’s Bobsled Track (1992) – Now Abandoned & Overgrown
Original Purpose: Hosted bobsled, luge, and skeleton events in the 1992 Winter Olympics. New Purpose: A decaying, nature-reclaimed ruin.Unlike many Olympic venues that found new life, Albertville’s bobsled track was left to rot, falling victim to neglect and financial constraints. Today, it sits abandoned, overgrown with vegetation, and slowly being reclaimed by nature. The track, which once hosted thrilling high-speed competitions, is now a ghostly reminder of Olympic overspending. Crumbling concrete, rusted rails, and graffiti-covered walls give it an eerie, post-apocalyptic look. The lack of a clear post-Games plan sealed its fate—maintenance costs were too high, and no alternative use was ever implemented. Visitors can still hike to the remnants of the track, where it serves as an urban exploration site for photographers and adventurers fascinated by abandoned Olympic history. Albertville’s bobsled track stands as a cautionary tale of what happens when cities fail to plan for long-term sustainability after the Olympics leave town.
11. Seoul’s Olympic Velodrome (1988) – Now a Gambling Facility
Original Purpose: Hosted track cycling events for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. New Purpose: A regulated bicycle-racing gambling venue.In an unexpected turn, Seoul’s Olympic Velodrome didn’t remain a venue for competitive cycling—it was converted into a legalized gambling facility for Keirin racing, a highly popular form of bicycle betting in South Korea. Rather than demolishing the velodrome, authorities saw an opportunity to preserve the track while repurposing it for commercial success. The stadium now attracts thousands of spectators who come to place bets on high-speed cycling races, creating an economic boost for the city. Despite its transformation into a gambling venue, the facility still hosts occasional cycling events, keeping a small connection to its Olympic past. While purists may argue that this isn’t the most "noble" repurposing, the venue has remained financially viable and well-maintained, proving that sometimes unexpected solutions ensure long-term survival.
12. Turin’s Olympic Village (2006) – Now Low-Income Housing
Original Purpose: Housed athletes during the 2006 Winter Olympics. New Purpose: Converted into low-income housing.Turin took a socially conscious approach to its Olympic legacy by converting the 2006 Olympic Village into affordable housing for low-income families and migrants. Rather than letting the apartments sit empty after the Games, the city transformed them into permanent residences, helping address Turin’s housing crisis. Today, these former athlete accommodations offer safe and affordable homes to those who need them most, proving that Olympic investments can benefit everyday citizens long after the competitions end.
13. Atlanta’s Olympic Stadium (1996) – Now a College Football Field
Original Purpose: Hosted track and field events, opening & closing ceremonies for the 1996 Summer Olympics. New Purpose: Home to Georgia State University football after serving as Turner Field for the Atlanta Braves.Atlanta’s Olympic Stadium underwent multiple transformations. After the Games, it was converted into Turner Field, home of Major League Baseball’s Atlanta Braves. When the Braves moved to a new stadium, it was once again repurposed, this time as a college football stadium for Georgia State University. Rather than demolishing the Olympic structure, Atlanta managed to keep it relevant across different sports, making it one of the most effectively repurposed Olympic venues in history. Today, Georgia State Panthers fans fill the stadium on game days, keeping the Olympic spirit alive through a new generation of athletes and spectators.
14. Sydney SuperDome (2000) – Now a Premier Concert and Entertainment Venue
Original Purpose: Hosted gymnastics, basketball, and trampoline events during the 2000 Sydney Olympics. New Purpose: A major concert and entertainment arena, now known as Qudos Bank Arena. After the Olympics, Sydney's SuperDome transitioned into a world-class entertainment venue. Now one of Australia's largest indoor arenas, it has hosted concerts by international superstars like Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, and Madonna, along with major sporting events and conventions. Its successful post-Olympic transformation showcases how a well-designed venue can seamlessly shift from sports to large-scale entertainment.
15. Athens Olympic Baseball Stadium (2004) – Now a Driving Range & Soccer Complex
Original Purpose: Built to host baseball events for the 2004 Athens Olympics. New Purpose: Repurposed into a public golf driving range and soccer fields. Baseball isn't a major sport in Greece, so after the Olympics, the stadium quickly fell into disuse. Rather than leaving it abandoned, the facility was creatively converted into a golf driving range and multipurpose soccer fields. This transformation reflects the necessity of adapting Olympic venues to meet local demand.
16. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (1932 & 1984) – Now Home to USC Football & NFL Games
Original Purpose: Hosted the 1932 and 1984 Summer Olympics, including track and field events. New Purpose: Serves as the home stadium for the University of Southern California (USC) football team and occasional NFL games. As one of the few Olympic venues to be used multiple times, the LA Memorial Coliseum has remained a functional sports hub. Beyond USC football, it has also hosted NFL games, music festivals, and major political events. The stadium will get yet another Olympic revival when LA hosts the 2028 Summer Games.
17. Innsbruck Olympic Ski Jumps (1964 & 1976) – Now a Year-Round Tourist Attraction
Original Purpose: Hosted ski jumping events during the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics in Austria. New Purpose: A year-round tourist attraction featuring ski jump exhibitions and panoramic views. Rather than being abandoned like other Winter Olympic venues, the Innsbruck ski jump was redesigned into a tourist hotspot. Visitors can watch professional ski jumpers train, ride the funicular to the top, and dine at a scenic restaurant overlooking the Austrian Alps.
18. Beijing’s Bird’s Nest Stadium (2008) – Now a Snow-Themed Park in Winter
Original Purpose: Hosted the opening and closing ceremonies and track and field events for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. New Purpose: A multipurpose venue that turns into a winter-themed attraction with artificial snow. Beijing’s iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium has struggled with consistent use, but in an innovative move, the city transformed it into a snow park during winter months. With artificial ski slopes, ice slides, and winter activities, it attracts tourists and locals alike while preserving the venue's legacy.
19. Munich Olympic Park (1972) – Now a Massive Public Recreation Area
Original Purpose: Hosted the 1972 Munich Olympics, including athletics, swimming, and cycling. New Purpose: A sprawling urban park with recreational sports, concerts, and festivals. Munich’s Olympic Park remains one of the best examples of sustainable post-Olympic planning. The park is now a beloved green space for residents, featuring jogging trails, bike paths, and outdoor sports facilities. It also serves as a venue for concerts and cultural festivals, maintaining its role as a central hub of activity.
20. Nagano’s M-Wave Arena (1998) – Now a Giant Ice Skating Rink & Exhibit Space
Original Purpose: Hosted speed skating events during the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. New Purpose: Converted into a multipurpose ice skating rink and event space. Instead of letting the arena sit idle, Nagano repurposed it into a recreational ice rink open to the public. It also functions as a venue for trade shows, concerts, and local events, ensuring year-round activity while keeping its Olympic legacy alive.
21. London’s Olympic Velodrome (2012) – Now a World-Class Cycling Center
Original Purpose: Hosted track cycling events during the 2012 London Olympics. New Purpose: An elite training facility and community cycling hub. London’s velodrome, nicknamed "The Pringle" due to its unique shape, remains one of the most well-used Olympic venues. It continues to serve professional cyclists while also offering public access for casual riders, making cycling more accessible to the general population.
22. Rio de Janeiro’s Olympic Arena (2016) – Now a Public School
Original Purpose: Hosted gymnastics events for the 2016 Rio Olympics. New Purpose: Transformed into multiple public schools as part of an innovative modular design plan. Rio planned for some of its venues to be disassembled and repurposed after the Games. The Olympic Arena was deconstructed and reassembled into four public schools, providing much-needed educational infrastructure for local communities.
23. Tokyo’s Olympic Village (2021) – Now a High-End Residential Neighborhood
Original Purpose: Housed athletes for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. New Purpose: Converted into a sustainable waterfront residential district. Tokyo’s Olympic Village was designed with a long-term vision—immediately after the Games, the apartments were converted into high-end condominiums. Featuring eco-friendly designs, green spaces, and smart city technology, it stands as a model for sustainable urban planning.
24. Helsinki Olympic Stadium (1952) – Now a National Sports Museum and Concert Venue
Original Purpose: Hosted athletics and opening/closing ceremonies for the 1952 Summer Olympics. New Purpose: A hybrid space blending a national sports museum, open-air concert venue, and everyday athletic facility. Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium has gracefully aged into one of the most dynamic legacy venues in the world. After an ambitious renovation completed in 2020, it now houses Finland’s Sports Museum, where visitors can explore the country’s rich athletic history. The stadium also hosts concerts and public fitness events, often filled with joggers, school kids, and tourists snapping selfies under its iconic tower. With preserved architecture and updated amenities, Helsinki proves that Olympic venues can balance historic charm with modern use—without losing their soul.
25. Calgary’s Olympic Oval (1988) – Now a Skating Mecca and Research Hub
Original Purpose: Hosted speed skating events during the 1988 Winter Olympics. New Purpose: A world-class skating facility and sports science research center. Nicknamed “The Fastest Ice in the World,” Calgary’s Olympic Oval is far from obsolete. Today, it’s a global training site for elite speed skaters and home to the Canadian Sport Institute, which studies human performance, biomechanics, and athletic innovation. The venue also opens its ice to recreational skaters, creating an environment where world champions glide alongside local families. With state-of-the-art labs and climate control systems, it’s a shining example of how Olympic investment can fuel both athletic excellence and scientific progress long after the medals have been awarded.
26. Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium (1964) – Now the Meiji Jingu Gaien Stadium Complex
Original Purpose: Hosted athletics and ceremonies during the 1964 Summer Olympics. New Purpose: Partially dismantled and rebuilt into a multi-sport facility within the Meiji Jingu Gaien complex. Tokyo’s original Olympic Stadium was demolished to make way for the new National Stadium used in 2021. But parts of the old complex, including its track and sports fields, were repurposed into the surrounding Meiji Jingu Gaien athletic zone. The area now hosts amateur sports events, recreational leagues, and youth tournaments—keeping the Olympic spirit rooted in the everyday lives of Tokyo residents. This subtle, thoughtful integration shows how legacy doesn't always require fanfare—sometimes, it simply means giving people space to play.
27. Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium (1992) – Now an Outdoor Concert Arena and Event Space
Original Purpose: Hosted opening ceremonies and athletics during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. New Purpose: A cultural hub for concerts, festivals, and community events. Perched on Montjuïc Hill, Barcelona’s Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys has had one of the most graceful second acts of any Olympic stadium. After the Games, it became a beloved venue for concerts and festivals, hosting acts like Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, and Shakira. Its sweeping views of the city and Mediterranean Sea make it a spectacular backdrop for large-scale events. While it occasionally sees sports action, its main draw today is cultural—turning what was once a global sports venue into a stage for celebration, music, and shared joy.
28. Grenoble’s Olympic Ice Rink (1968) – Now a Convention and Trade Show Hall
Original Purpose: Hosted figure skating and ice hockey for the 1968 Winter Olympics. New Purpose: A convention center and multipurpose expo hall. Grenoble’s Palais des Sports was once the icy centerpiece of the 1968 Winter Olympics. Today, its chill has been replaced with business buzz. The venue now functions as a year-round convention center, hosting tech expos, business conferences, public exhibitions, and local fairs. Its transformation reflects Grenoble’s identity as a hub of science and innovation—proving that even the most sports-specific venues can pivot into economically productive, community-serving infrastructure. It’s not just about what a venue was built for—it’s what a city dreams it can still become.
From Podiums to Possibility
Olympic stadiums are built for glory—but their true legacy is written after the spotlight fades. As this list of 28 repurposed venues shows, the end of the Games is rarely the end of the story. From biodomes to concert stages, refugee shelters to skating meccas, these once-temporary monuments have found permanent purpose in surprising, ingenious ways. They remind us that greatness isn't only about gold medals—it's about resilience, imagination, and reinvention. When cities think beyond the podium, they unlock new forms of public value: education, community, creativity, and care. These stadiums now serve artists, students, athletes, families, and even entire ecosystems. In a world where massive structures often become monuments to waste, these transformations prove otherwise. The torch may go out—but the legacy doesn’t have to. Because sometimes, the most powerful Olympic moment isn’t the race you win. It’s what you build after the crowd goes quiet.
