Beach volleyball is expected to be one of the most popular spectator sports during the London 2012 Olympic Games, and the venue has been designed for maximum visual impact. The arena, which will be erected in the space of six weeks and dismantled afterwards, will be roughly the same size as Wimbledon's Centre Court, with temporary floodlights installed for evening sessions. It will consist of two separate parts: an 'inner bowl' to create atmosphere, and a three-sided 'upper bowl' that will offer spectacular views of Big Ben and the London Eye for spectators and television cameras.
The stands will be 62 feet (19 metres) high. Unusually for a temporary venue, lifts will be installed to offer all spectators access to the highest levels. Spectators will enter through St James's Park, on the west side of the venue, and exit either to the north at Admiralty Arch or to the south, on to Birdcage Walk.
Two warm-up courts will be built on the Whitehall side, one of which can be used for competition if necessary, with between three and six more on the St James's Park side.
The venue will be built in Horse Guards Parade in the heart of London, just behind the Prime Minister's residence in Downing Street and close to Buckingham Palace.
It is London's largest single open space, and was constructed in 1745 to house the King's personal guards. Every June it hosts the Trooping the Colour ceremony to commemorate the Queen's official birthday. The design has now been submitted to Westminster City Council, with a decision expected within three months.
It was created by architects Populous – who also produced the design for the main Olympic Stadium – in conjunction with engineering consultants Atkins. Mike McNicholas of Atkins said that the beach volleyball venue would be "one of the most visible" of the London 2012 venues and would provide a "fantastic backdrop".
An estimated 480,000 people are expected to watch the beach volleyball competition during the 2012 Games. Tickets will be among the most expensive of the entire Olympics, with seats for the final costing up to £450.