An extraordinary 2020 Tokyo Olympics came to end on August 8. Held at the National Stadium, the closing ceremony saw a large display of fireworks, adding to the sound of dancing, singing and merry-making.

Addressed as one of the most unique Games in history, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president handed over the flag to Paris with the message of moving forward as they remembered the people who lost their lives in the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, with the Summer Games done and dusted, let’s take a look at what will happen to the venues now.

-National Stadium (Athletics)

The National Stadium has a seating capacity of 68,000. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games. Apart from this, it held athletics, rugby and football.

It will remain in use as a national and international sports venue. Reportedly, it was designed by architect Kengo Kuma. Many portions are made from Japanese timber from across the nation.

-Ariake Arena (Indoor volleyball)

The Ariake Arena held the volleyball contests and saw the United States of America’s women’s team clinch the elusive gold medal.

It will remain a sports venue. Apart from this, this is also turning into a community centre.

-Sapporo Odori Park (Marathon)

The Sapporo Odori Park hosted the marathon among other events. It will return to being a park for public use. It is situated four hours north of Tokyo.

Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya won the men’s marathon at the park.

-Saitama Super Arena (Basketball)

The Saitama Super Arena started functioning in 2000 and will return to hosting various sports events.

This arena saw the United States celebrate the gold medal in women’s basketball.

-Yokohama Baseball Stadium (Baseball)

The Yokohama Baseball Stadium will go back to being the home of the Yokohama DeNa Baystars. This stadium also hosted Japan’s Olympic victory.

-Sea Forest Waterway (Rowing and canoeing)

The Sea Forest Waterway was used for rowing and canoeing. It was built in the canals between two man-made islands in Tokyo Bay. With the Summer Games done and dusted, it will not only be open to the public for usage but only continue to hold multiple events.

Jean van der Westhuyzen and Thomas Green of Australia won a gold medal in men’s Kayak Double 1000m.

-Musashino Forest Sport Plaza

The Musashino Forest Sport Plaza hosted badminton, fencing and modern pentathlon events. This was a specially built venue and will continue to remain a sports centre.

-Oi Hockey Stadium (Hockey)

The Oi Hockey Stadium was specially built for the Olympics. It hosted the hockey events and will continue to serve as a hockey stadium for future events.

-Tokyo Aquatics Centre (swimming)

Kaylee McKeown, Caeleb Dressel and more scripted history at the Tokyo Aquatic Centre. Australia will have a special connection to this venue as they won multiple events and even created a new record for themselves.

The local residents will be able to use the Tatsumi-no-mori Seaside Park for everyday use.

-Nippon Budokan (martial arts)

Originally, this venue was built for the 1964 Olympics and was put back into use for the Tokyo Games. While it will continue to remain a martial arts centre, it will also host concerts.

-Athletes village

The athletes village, famous for the cardboard beds, will be put up for sale as the Summer Games ended. It housed more than 5,000 apartments.

-Sea Forest Cross-Country Course (Equestrian)

This particular course was held for the cross-country part of the eventing equestrian event. Reportedly, it took five years to plan and create the venue. While the jumps are expected to be taken apart, the venue will still have a splendid view of the Tokyo skyline.

-Tsurigasaki beach (surfing)

Located 60km out of Tokyo, Tsurigasaki beach, after hosting the surfing events, will get back to being a public beach.

-Saitama Stadium (Football)

Used for the football matches for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, this will still be holding football matches.

-Makuhari Messe Hall (Taekwondo)

Makuhari Messe Hall is the second-largest arena in the world. It will return to hosting sports including American Football.

-Enoshima Yacht Harbor (Sailing)

This harbour was birthed in the 1964 Olympics, this venue will go back to hosting other competitions and housing boats.