Great news: National Athletics Centre in Budapest is open to the general public – PHOTOS

The National Athletics Centre, renowned as the host venue of the 2023 Budapest World Athletics Championships, is now open to the public, and poised to become a dynamic centre for sports and community life. Locals now enjoy the panoramic running track overlooking the Danube, extensive outdoor fitness facilities, and tranquil spaces for relaxation for free.

National Athletics Centre becomes open to the public

As Telex writes, the National Athletics Centre, the prestigious venue of the 2023 Budapest World Athletics Championships in District 9, officially opened to the public on Sunday. Accessible daily from 7 am to 9 pm, the facility offers a premier space for sports enthusiasts. While winter may not typically favour outdoor activities, the State Secretariat for Sport anticipates the venue will flourish as a hub for community and sports programmes come spring, establishing itself as a vibrant centre for athletics in the heart of the capital. Ádám Schmidt added:

Even before the 2023 World Athletics Championships, we stressed that it is important to ensure that the event has a long-term positive impact on both community and competitive sport in Hungary. One of the most important legacies of the World Championships will be the National Athletics Centre, which will host the new elite athletics series, the World Championships, in 2026, and which we have designed in the spirit of being the new stronghold of community sport.

MTI/Kocsis Zoltán

Delayed works

Krisztina Baranyi, mayor of Budapest’s District 9, emphasised that the district supported the construction of the National Athletics Centre on the condition that it would be accessible to the public for recreational sports after the 2023 World Athletics Championships. Following the event, the stadium’s temporary stands were removed, and the surrounding park underwent renovations. Although initially slated for completion by the end of August, delays caused partly by flooding meant the park was only handed over on 1 December.

MTI/Kocsis Zoltán

MTI/Kocsis Zoltán

Diverse sporting opportunities

The National Athletics Centre offers a panoramic running track on the stadium’s upper level, providing stunning views of the Danube and the city. The surrounding “stadium park” features a variety of outdoor sports facilities, including a playground, a fitness park with street workout equipment, and accessible gear for beginners and older athletes. For experienced enthusiasts, there are bouldering walls and a skate park accommodating skateboards, roller skates, scooters, and BMX bikes, with safety gear required. The Danube bank adds a relaxing touch with a sandy lawn and sun loungers, making the venue a versatile hub for fitness and leisure.

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