Ricoh Arena to be venue for 2012 Olympics

The Ricoh Arena in Coventry (GETTY IMAGES)

Coventry's Ricoh Arena has been chosen as the Midlands' venue to host football matches at the 2012 Olympic Games. The arena, which boasts a capacity of 32,500, was chosen ahead of bids from Birmingham's St Andrew's stadium, Leicester's Walkers Stadium and Derby's Pride Park. The decision follows a lengthy selection procedure by the London 2012 Organising Committee and comes after Villa Park was ruled out due to planned redevelopment work.

The site will be renamed the City of Coventry Stadium for the duration of the Games due to an IOC ruling which states all Olympic venues must be free of advertising and branding during the showpiece event.

Coventry will host the event alongside Wembley Stadium, the Millennium Stadium, Hampden Park, Old Trafford and St James' Park.