New Olympic equestrian venue for Tokyo

A new Olympic venue has been approved for dressage and showjumping at the Tokyo 2020 Games – putting equestrian sport at the centre of the sporting action.

Savings

The main site will now be at the Japan Racing Authority-owned Baji Koen, which hosted the equestrian events at the 1964 Games. 

The eventing cross-country phase will stay at Sea Forest, also known as Umi no Mori, in Tokyo Bay in the southern Kantō region of Japan. Olympic rowing, canoe sprint and mountain biking will also be held there.

In Tokyo’s original bid, 33 percent of the venues were using pre-existing facilities, but these changes have increased this to 50 percent. According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), this represents a saving of $1billion from the construction budget. 

Strong legacy

“We were more than happy to agree to a venue change that helps Tokyo stay in line with the Olympic agenda 2020 recommendations”, FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “Especially as Baji Koen is a beautiful public park that will make a spectacular venue for the 2020 Olympic equestrian events and keeps our sport right at the heart of the Games.

“We celebrated 100 years in the Olympic movement in London 2012 and with Tokyo 2020 in our sights, our focus is firmly on providing a strong legacy for equestrian sport in Japan. We are looking forward to putting the spotlight on our sport in Tokyo.”