Medals Plaza Design Unveiled
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Aug. 27, 2001--
SLOC revealed its design for the Olympic Medals Plaza --- just east of the Triad Center.
The block, now used just for parking, will be transformed into an Olympic stage area where each night of the games, athletes will receive their medals and top entertainers will perform.
Olympics Specialist Shelley Osterloh has the story.
For 16 consecutive nights, the winners of the Olympic Games will stand before a crowd of thousands and a TV audience of millions to accept their medals.
Shelley Osterloh, Eyewitness News: "SLOC HIRED THE INVENTOR OF THIS LITTLE GADGET TO CREATE A SPECTACULAR ARCH TO FRAME THOSE WINNING ATHLETES. "
The arch over the central stage spans 72 feet and stands 36 feet high. Built of translucent Plexiglas, it will expand and enclose the stage area.
Chuck Hoberman designed the retractable arch.
Chuck Hoberman/Designer of Retractable Arch: "IT'S A VERY BASIC IDEA. IT'S ACTUALLY THE MAGIC OF GEOMETRY IS WHAT IT IS. WHEN YOU GET ALL THE PARTS RIGHT IT TENDS TO WORK. I MEAN, I THINK THAT'S WHY IT ALMOST LOOKS LIKE A NATURAL PROCESS, A FLOWER UNFOLDING, BECAUSE IT'S WORKING WITH BASIC GEOMETRIC PRINCIPLES."
The stage is flanked on each side with giant video screens so spectators can view the winning performance before seeing the medals presentation.
Scott Givens/SLOC: "IT'S A VENUE THAT HAS ONE CENTRAL EASY IDEA, WHERE WE CELEBRATE THE NEWEST OLYMPIC HEROES AND WE WANT PEOPLE TO COME HERE AND JUST HAVE GREAT GREAT TIME."
As SLOC unveiled its plan for the plaza, it also introduced the creative team.
Art Director for the opening ceremonies in Atlanta, Scott Bass, designed the stage which is built on a giant turntable.
Each night, it will spin to reveal some of the top entertainers in the world -- all set up and ready to go.
Twenty thousand people can attend, with bleacher seating for some.
The Olympic Medals Plaza will be free to the public, however a ticket will be required.
SLOC President Mitt Romney says the real goal is make the athletes and the excitement of the Olympic Games accessible to everyone -- even those who don't get to see an Olympic event.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints owns the land and donated $5-million to SLOC to build the temporary Plaza, with the condition that events be free to the public.
