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NEWS
First new permanent venue of the Tokyo 2020 Games opens to the public
POSTED 01 Dec 2017 . BY Kim Megson
The Musashino Forest Sport Plaza will host badminton, modern pentathlon fencing and wheelchair basketball and has a seating capacity of more than 10,000 Credit: Tokyo 2020
The first permanent venue built for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo has opened to the public.

The Musashino Forest Sport Plaza, located close to Kengo Kuma’s forthcoming national Stadium, will host badminton, modern pentathlon fencing and wheelchair basketball and has a seating capacity of more than 10,000.

Constructed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the arena includes a swimming pool, gym, multi-use sports area and two fitness studios for use by the public.

The interior layout is designed to be accessible to all users and the height difference between rows of seating means that spectators in wheelchairs will be able to see clearly even if those in front of them stand up.

An opening ceremony for the venue was attended by Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike, together with Olympians, Paralympians and members of the local community.



Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto said: “I'm delighted that this first new permanent venue has been delivered and inaugurated in such an early phase of the Games’ life cycle.

"The organising committee's activities have switched from the planning phase to the delivery phase and our eyes are now firmly on the opening date of the Games.

"Tokyo 2020 will fulfil its promise and deliver a safe and successful Games that will leave a lasting legacy and benefits for everyone.”

Events are scheduled to take place across 40 venues, including eight new permanent facilities, eight temporary ones and 24 existing sites.

Organisers will be relieved that the first venue has been completed on schedule, after a difficult two years that have seen a plagiarism row erupt over the logo initially designed for the Games, criticism of the burgeoning cost of hosting, and controversy over the National Stadium, which was to be created by Zaha Hadid Architects until the Japanese government stripped the studio of the project and later appointed Kuma.
Constructed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the arena includes a swimming pool, a gym, a multi-use sports area and two fitness studios for use by the general public Credit: Tokyo 2020
An opening ceremony for the venue was attended by Olympians, Paralympians and members of the local community Credit: Tokyo 2020
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NEWS
First new permanent venue of the Tokyo 2020 Games opens to the public
POSTED 01 Dec 2017 . BY Kim Megson
The Musashino Forest Sport Plaza will host badminton, modern pentathlon fencing and wheelchair basketball and has a seating capacity of more than 10,000 Credit: Tokyo 2020
The first permanent venue built for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo has opened to the public.

The Musashino Forest Sport Plaza, located close to Kengo Kuma’s forthcoming national Stadium, will host badminton, modern pentathlon fencing and wheelchair basketball and has a seating capacity of more than 10,000.

Constructed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the arena includes a swimming pool, gym, multi-use sports area and two fitness studios for use by the public.

The interior layout is designed to be accessible to all users and the height difference between rows of seating means that spectators in wheelchairs will be able to see clearly even if those in front of them stand up.

An opening ceremony for the venue was attended by Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike, together with Olympians, Paralympians and members of the local community.



Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto said: “I'm delighted that this first new permanent venue has been delivered and inaugurated in such an early phase of the Games’ life cycle.

"The organising committee's activities have switched from the planning phase to the delivery phase and our eyes are now firmly on the opening date of the Games.

"Tokyo 2020 will fulfil its promise and deliver a safe and successful Games that will leave a lasting legacy and benefits for everyone.”

Events are scheduled to take place across 40 venues, including eight new permanent facilities, eight temporary ones and 24 existing sites.

Organisers will be relieved that the first venue has been completed on schedule, after a difficult two years that have seen a plagiarism row erupt over the logo initially designed for the Games, criticism of the burgeoning cost of hosting, and controversy over the National Stadium, which was to be created by Zaha Hadid Architects until the Japanese government stripped the studio of the project and later appointed Kuma.
Constructed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the arena includes a swimming pool, a gym, a multi-use sports area and two fitness studios for use by the general public Credit: Tokyo 2020
An opening ceremony for the venue was attended by Olympians, Paralympians and members of the local community Credit: Tokyo 2020
RELATED STORIES
Tokyo to go ahead with new volleyball facility despite spiralling costs of 2020 Games


Organisers of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will reject the chance to host volleyball in an existing facility and build a new venue despite it adding to the spiralling cost of the Games.
Construction begins on Kengo Kuma's National Stadium for 2020 Tokyo Olympics


Construction work has kicked off on Tokyo’s new National Stadium, the Kengo Kuma- designed stage for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.
Maki and Kuma campaign for Tokyo gymnasium to receive UNESCO recognition


A group of Japanese architects, including Fumihiko Maki and Kengo Kuma, are petitioning UNESCO to recognise the gymnasium building designed by Kenzo Tange for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics on its World Cultural Heritage list.
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London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
The London Museum’s new site will open in Smithfield, East London, on 28 November 2026.
Toverland unveils €98m expansion plan as park prepares to launch resort development
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi- day destination.
Butterfly sanctuary to host hot yoga during retreat at Jersey Zoo for Hotel de France
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
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IAAPA Expo Europe was established in 2006 and has grown to the largest international conference and [more...]
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Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
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+ More catalogues  
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23-26 Aug 2026

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The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
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