Olümpiastaadionid

Olümpiastaadionid, often translated as Olympic Stadiums, are venues specifically constructed or designated to host the Olympic Games, both Summer and Winter. These stadiums are central to the Games, serving as the primary location for opening and closing ceremonies, as well as athletic competitions such as track and field events. The design and capacity of Olympic Stadiums have evolved significantly over time, reflecting changes in architectural technology, spectator expectations, and the scale of the Games.

Historically, the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896 utilized the Panathenaic Stadium, a restored ancient venue. Subsequent Games saw the development of purpose-built stadiums, such as the White City Stadium in London for the 1908 Games. Over the decades, the scale and complexity of these structures grew. Stadiums like the Olympiastadion in Berlin (1936) and the Olympic Stadium in Rome (1960) were architectural landmarks of their eras.

The latter half of the 20th century and the early 21st century witnessed the construction of mega-stadiums. The Olympic Stadium in Munich (1972), the Seoul Olympic Stadium (1988), and the Beijing National Stadium (2008) are examples of modern Olympic Stadiums that are often iconic structures within their host cities. These venues are frequently designed with sustainability and legacy in mind, aiming for post-Games use by local sports teams or for other cultural events to avoid becoming "white elephants." The choice of an Olympic Stadium is a critical part of a city's bid to host the Games.