Olympic Stadiums That Now Serve Completely Different Purposes

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.