SYDNEY – Samsung Electronics, a Worldwide Olympic Partner, today announced the start of work on the Olympic Rendezvous @ Samsung (OR@S). A free entry, 4000sq metre entertainment complex located near the main stadium within Sydney Olympic Park, the OR@S will be a central gathering place and landmark for spectators and athletes during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
Part of Samsung Electronics global Olympic sports marketing investment of US$200 million dollars, the OR@S will be purpose built for hospitality, entertainment, information, communication and special athlete presentations.
For competing athletes and their families the emphasis will be on privacy and relaxation with access to special facilities; and visitors will be able to take advantage of free phone calls, international festivities and futuristic technology ?all with an interactive, fun focus.
“The Olympic Rendezvous @ Samsung reflects our support for Olympic athletes and their families, and shows our commitment and passion towards sport. We are excited to be able to share this with people all over the world.” said Mr Il-Hyung Chang, Vice President and Head of Olympic Projects for Samsung Electronics.
Due to open on 15 September, 2000, the ideally positioned OR@S on the corner of Sarah Durak Avenue and Olympic Boulevard in Sydney Olympic Park, is expected to attract around 17,000 people per day.
Two primary elements are behind the OR@S design: the Olympic flame and the petals of the New South Wales (NSW) state flower, the Waratah. The flower petals, symbolised by billowing sail cloth, represent Samsung’s focus on the growth of the wireless telecommunication revolution. The Olympic flame is reflected in the series of tensioned fabric structures symbolic of the spirit of the Olympic movement. At night, the dramatic use of lighting effects will transform the OR@S into an impressive beacon on the Sydney skyline.
The OR@S will have four key areas:
1. The Athletes Centre – a home-away-from-home for visiting athletes, will be a secure, private environment where they can relax with friends and family away from the rigours of competition. Provisions will include refreshments, internet access, information services, live broadcast of the Games and free Share The Moment mobile phone calls to anywhere in the world. Access to the Athlete Centre by competing athletes and their guests will be handled via a pre-registration process to ensure high security.
2. The Olympic Rendezvous Plaza is an open area where the public will be able to gather for daily entertainment, Olympic Games memorabilia auctions and to support their National Olympic Teams. A main stage with a large screen will run live broadcasts and will be the focal point for international entertainment, daily athlete appearances and handprinting ceremonies.
3. The Spectator Centre will house Samsung’s contribution to the world of digital wireless communications technology. Visitors will have the chance to experience the future using new technology developed by Samsung Electronics.
4. The Digital Interlude is in the atrium area dividing the Athletes Centre and Spectator Centre. Samsung has developed a unique live, futuristically styled performance aided by digital technology, scheduled to run five times a day during Games time. A variety of programs will take place within the OR@S during the Games. These include:
- Samsung Share The Moment Calls will be available to Australians, international spectators and all participants of the Games, providing opportunities to share the excitement and memorable moments of the Games with family and friends through Samsung mobile phones, free of charge for up to three minutes at a time.
- The National Day Program of Events has been developed to allow countries from around the world to showcase their entertainment talent, ensuring visitors to the OR@S will experience the truly international flavour that surrounds the Olympic Games.
- The public will have a chance to see their favourite medalists at the Samsung handprinting ceremonies. On stage at the Olympic Rendezvous Plaza, each medallist will be invited to make his or her handprint which will become a permanent Olympic legacy for Sydney.
A project team of more than 40 builders will work seven day shifts to complete the site and fit-out on time. A time lapse camera has been installed to take work-in-progress photos of the development, of which an edited version will be available through Samsung following the OR@S completion. Hours of operation are expected be from 7.30am to 11.30pm daily.
