Riverbank Arena
Stadium Temporary Olympic hockey stadium in London’s Olympic Park
A former Olympic field hockey venue in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Riverbank Arena hosted the 2012 Games; visitors to the park now use surrounding sports facilities, open space and the London Stadium precinct.
Riverbank Arena was a temporary field hockey stadium built in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, east London for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It was constructed specifically to host the Games’ hockey competitions and associated events.
During the 2012 Games the venue had an expanded spectator capacity achieved with temporary stands; it was sited close to the Olympic Stadium and other purpose-built venues to form the Games park. After the Olympics the arena’s temporary elements were removed or repurposed as part of the park’s post-Games legacy planning.
The facility was built in 2011-2012 as part of the wider Olympic Park development and used for international hockey matches during the Games. Its temporary design meant it was not retained in the same form after the event.
Geographically the arena was located in Stratford in East London within the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park development, adjacent to other 2012 venues and transport links at Stratford International and Stratford stations.
- Event use: Located within the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, it was a purpose-built, temporary venue for the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games and hosted field hockey tournaments.
How to Get to Riverbank Arena #
Riverbank Arena was located within Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, east London. The park is served by Stratford station (Central and Jubilee Underground lines, DLR, London Overground and National Rail services) and Stratford International; from Stratford station the Olympic Park is a 10-15 minute walk through the park entrances.
Tips for Visiting Riverbank Arena #
- Arrive via Stratford station (or the nearby DLR stops) and check event schedules in advance - the arena area is often closed or busy during matches and community events.
- Visit on non‑event days to walk the surrounding Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park spaces and get clear photos of the arena footprint; pairing the visit with nearby attractions (ArcelorMittal Orbit, London Aquatics Centre) avoids coming only for the arena itself.
Best Time to Visit Riverbank Arena #
Visit outside major events and on weekdays for the quietest experience; summer event season and weekends are the busiest times.
Weather & Climate near Riverbank Arena #
Riverbank Arena's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (612 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 61 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
