Olympic Stadiums That Now Serve Completely Different Purposes

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.