Builders were celebrating being turfed out of London's 2012 Olympic stadium after completing it in record time and millions of pounds under budget.
The colossal stadium in Stratford was finished today as the last piece of turf was ceremoniously laid by International Olympic Committee member and four-time silver medallist sprinter Frankie Fredericks.
The 80,000-seater centrepiece of the games, which took less than three years to build, also came in £10million under budget at £486million.
London's Mayor Boris Johnson said it gave the capital a huge advantage over other host cities like Barcelona, Sydney and Athens.
He said: 'This is yet another fantastic milestone in the preparations for London 2012. The faultless construction of the stadium, on time and under budget, is a shining example of how London is primed and ready to host the greatest show on earth.
'The real joy of being so far ahead is that, unlike any other host city, we are already able to focus on securing the legacy we are so determined to deliver from the Games.'
Construction workers spent 1,000 working days on the epic build and completing the venue at such speed was hailed as showing the capital’s readiness to stage the 'greatest show on earth'.
The running track has not yet been laid as it would be damaged when giant cranes arrive to build gantries for the opening and closing ceremonies.
IOC members made their eighth visit to the capital today to check on preparations ahead of the beginning of the Games on Friday, July 27 next year.
The IOC was given further reassurance when the Olympic Delivery Authority, which has overseen the construction work at the Olympic Park, said the sports infrastructure would be finished in July.
Built and designed respectively by Sir Robert McAlpine and architectural practice Populous — the team behind Arsenal’s Emirates ground — the stadium has employed 5,000 workers from 240 British businesses.
The last of 360 rolls of turf, grown in Scunthorpe, was laid to complete the 9,000 square metre infield area.
The running track — a blue surface by Mondo— will be laid later this year by organiser Locog. In its place is a temporary Tarmac surface resistant to the cranes that will lift into place stage sets for the opening ceremony.
History will associate the Olympic stadium with two controversies: its original bid book budget of £240million has more than doubled though that figure was never seen as realistic.
The ODA have also been criticised for spurning the chance four years ago to install retractable seats over the running track to make it more attractive to football clubs.
Last month the post-Games future of the stadium was secured when West Ham were handed the long-term tenancy.
The colossal stadium in Stratford was finished today as the last piece of turf was ceremoniously laid by International Olympic Committee member and four-time silver medallist sprinter Frankie Fredericks.
The 80,000-seater centrepiece of the games, which took less than three years to build, also came in £10million under budget at £486million.
Nice lawn: London 2012 chairman Seb Coe and Olympian Frank Fredericks laying the last piece of turf on the Olympic Stadium marking the completion of construction on the flagship venue
He said: 'This is yet another fantastic milestone in the preparations for London 2012. The faultless construction of the stadium, on time and under budget, is a shining example of how London is primed and ready to host the greatest show on earth.
'The real joy of being so far ahead is that, unlike any other host city, we are already able to focus on securing the legacy we are so determined to deliver from the Games.'
Construction workers spent 1,000 working days on the epic build and completing the venue at such speed was hailed as showing the capital’s readiness to stage the 'greatest show on earth'.
Jog on: Work started almost years ago in May 2008 and more than 5,250 people have worked on the project
Home time: The Olympic Stadium after the last piece of turf is laid on its field of play
IOC members made their eighth visit to the capital today to check on preparations ahead of the beginning of the Games on Friday, July 27 next year.
The IOC was given further reassurance when the Olympic Delivery Authority, which has overseen the construction work at the Olympic Park, said the sports infrastructure would be finished in July.
Built and designed respectively by Sir Robert McAlpine and architectural practice Populous — the team behind Arsenal’s Emirates ground — the stadium has employed 5,000 workers from 240 British businesses.
An aerial view of the Olympic Stadium with a newly turfed event field. International Olympic Committee members visited today to check on progress
The running track — a blue surface by Mondo— will be laid later this year by organiser Locog. In its place is a temporary Tarmac surface resistant to the cranes that will lift into place stage sets for the opening ceremony.
History will associate the Olympic stadium with two controversies: its original bid book budget of £240million has more than doubled though that figure was never seen as realistic.
The ODA have also been criticised for spurning the chance four years ago to install retractable seats over the running track to make it more attractive to football clubs.
Last month the post-Games future of the stadium was secured when West Ham were handed the long-term tenancy.
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