Fisht Stadium set to host Sochi 2014 Opening Ceremony

By Maria Pia Beltran, AIPS Young Reporter - Italy

SOCHI, February 6, 2014 – Less than 24 hours separate the world from the beginning of the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. The pre-show is set to start at 7:15 local time on Friday at Fisht Olympic Stadium, and the opening ceremony will begin at exactly 8:14 pm.

MEDIA 

The media center and tribunes at Fisht Stadium will be open from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m., with organizers recommending that journalists arrive as early as possible, or at least before 7 p.m. "For security reasons, unexpected traffic restrictions might apply," it was announced a few hours ago.

The best way to reach the breath-taking venue that will also host the 2018 FIFA World Cup is to walk through the common domain of the Olympic Park. This will take 20-25 minutes, if you are not carrying heavy equipment. 

WORK POSTS

The media center is located on the first floor of Fisht Stadium and holds 130 workstations. Lockers, a help desk and a food and beverage concession will be provided by the Sochi 2014 organizers to all accredited media.

WEATHER  

Weather conditions in the Sochi Sea Cluster have been excellent for the last four days - sunny days, clear air and temperatures between 4 and 10° C during the day. However, the Opening Ceremony might take some by surprise. "It can get really cold in the stadium. Tribunes are covered but the sea breeze can significantly lower temperatures. Make sure you come with warm clothes," organizers have advised.

SECURITY 

In the last four days, all security measures for journalists have mirrored those in past Games. Body checks are required on entering the Olympic Park only  the in case of metal detector beeping. However, this might all change on Friday.

"Due to the Opening Ceremony at Fisht Stadium, there will be an internal perimeter within the Olympic Park common domain with additional access control points in operation from 6 a.m. until 1 a.m. Access to competition venues will be possible via external pathways (outside the yellow perimeter) and via bus TM1. The TM1 will run regularly until 5 p.m., after which a special TM1 CER headed to Fisht Stadium will be used. To enter the yellow perimeter, an access ticket or a valid ticket for the Opening Ceremony will be required in addition to accreditation. 

A limited number of access tickets for written press and ENR’s will be available, allowing them to enter the perimeter for operational reasons. These can be requested at the IOC Media Operations office (level 2) the day before the restriction applies.