Torino 2006: Olympics in Turin

Torino 2006: How the Olympics are Improving Turin

The Olympics are not just about the sporting events, they often have a positive impact on their venue cities for years to come. The infrastructure improvements made to cities such as Barcelona and Athens (especially the transportation systems) has been hugely beneficial to both commerce and tourism. During the competition the host city has the opportunity to show off what it has to offer the world once the Olympics are over. Cultural events, exhibits and showcases often highlight the host country, as much as the host city. In 2006, the city of Turin (Torino) will be no different and will use the Winter Olympics as well as the upcoming 2006 Paralympic Winter Games to showcase the city. Turin (Torino) will not only be home to many exciting cultural events in 2006, but will also benefit from new sports facilities and a completely renovated stadium. Not to mention the innovative Olympic Village will be utilized by the city long after the games are over.

Torino 2006: Non-Sporting Events and Entertainment during the Winter Games

The Cultural Olympiads

"The Cultural Olympiads take place according to a program of events proposed and organized by the host country on the basis of its own peculiar qualities and features and, when it comes to promoting its cultural heritage, Torino 2006 will have plenty to show the world." - Torino 2006 Web Page

During this extended series of exhibitions and events, Turin (Torino) will display what it has to offer in the disciplines of: Visual arts, theatre, music, cinema and history. Ranging from performances to extended museum exhibits (including the excellent Egyptian museum); the Cultural Olympiad is scheduled to run until June 2006.

Atrium Torino

During the Winter Games, The city of Turin will be hosting the Atrium Torino, twin exhibition pavilions located in Piazza Solferino. The Atrium Citta displays information about all the improvements made to the city for the Olympics as well as tourist and Olympic ticketing information. The Atrium 2006 is geared toward the new sport facilities, interactive games, and a chance to sample local food specialties.

Between the two Atrium pavilions the GE Ice Plaza an outdoor ice skating rink that is free to the public and illuminated at night. In fact, many of Turin's Piazzi and avenues will be illuminated by Luci d'Artista light installations at night during the Winter Games.

During the Olympics many of Turin's food markets and fairs are holding special hours to really showcase Piedmontese specialties. Several of these have been temporarily relocated to the Cortile dei Maglio in the Borgo Dora district to accommodate the Winter Games.

Torino 2006: City Improvements

Stadio Olimpico

Turin's old Stadio Comunale, dating from the 1930's has been rechristened the Stadio Olimpico after having undergone a complete renovation. This former home of Italian football teams Torino Calcio and Juventus FC has been given a new roof, added seating (some temporary) and other improvements and will be used by Torino Calcio in the future. Next door a brand new indoor stadium by architect Arata Isozaki of Tokyo will host the ice hockey games but will become a multi-sport structure after the Olympics. The area surrounding this sporting complex has been completely redesigned by Mr. Isozaki into a large, green park.

Torino Oval Lingotto and the Palavela

Known as the Oval, this new multipurpose building located in the south of Turin will host the speed skating events during the games. After the Olympics this very modern looking building will become a multi-function convention center. The Torino Palavela was originally designed for the Italia '61 Exhibition but has been renovated by architects Gae Aulenti and Arnaldo De Bernardi to house the figure skating competitions. It will then become a concert venue or a sports practice facility after the Olympics.

The Olympic Village

Turin's Olympic Village (one of three set up for the Winter Games) is located in the Lingotto area close to the Olympic headquarters. The centre of the Olympic Village is highlighted by the restored the Mercati Generali building. The Olympic Village is well equipped with everything the athletes and staff might need including entertainment, restaurants and medical facilities but the real innovation is that it was designed using eco-friendly materials. Photovoltaic cells and other energy saving technology are expecting to decrease energy consumption by 60 percent. Life after the Olympics will see the Village be used for housing with other parts planned for research and technology services.

For Further Information and for Schedules of Events:

Official Torino 2006 Web Page: www.torino2006.org
Atrium Torino Web Page: www.atriumtorino.it
Torino Tourism Web Page: www.turismotorino.org

By Justin Demetri