Prequalification applications have been invited by 20 November for a contract to design and build an Olympic stadium in connection with Istanbul's bid to host the Olympic Games in 2004. The client is the Istanbul 2004 Olympic Bidding Committee (see Tenders).

The project will go ahead, whether or not Istanbul is successful in its application, when the Olympic authorities reach a decision on rival bids in September 1997, committee officials say. With seating for 80,000 people, it will be a centrepiece of an Olympic Park at Ikitelli near Ataturk International Airport, which will have 14 separate sporting facilities, including the stadium.

A shortlist will be drawn and tenders invited by December, with a bid closing date about three months later. The cost of the stadium will be more than $120 million, the officials say.

According to the Turkish Olympic Act, the committee will be provided with financing by the government for 80 per cent of the works to be executed at the park, say the officials. However, financing offers by bidders will be taken into consideration.

The stadium is planned for athletics, soccer and other field sports. It will comply with the technical requirements and specifications for Olympic, Continental and Mediterranean Games; and World and European Championships.