Tokyo Volleyball Situation Concerning for FIVB

(ATR) The International Volleyball Federation hopes to avoid relocating its 2020 venue through dialogue with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

A TMG document shown to Around the Rings expressed worry over the long-term viability of a new volleyball arena built for the Games. The project is estimated to cost $400 million, and replace a previous arena in the Ariake area.

The TMG says the venue’s limited legacy outweighs the costs. There are two areas of concern for the TMG including "concerns about economic viability after the Games," and "[lack of competitiveness] as an art or concert venue."

To address the issue, the TMG says it will consider "[leveraging] existing arenas outside Tokyo if available."

An FIVB spokesperson told ATR in a statement that it is "keen to adopt constructive and positive dialogue," with the TMG over the venue, but stands by the current plan. The statement said that FIVB believes the Ariake arena is the "most cost effective solution," for the sport during the Games.

"The FIVB remains very concerned regarding recent media reports that the indoor volleyball venue for Tokyo 2020 could be moved from Ariake," the statement said. "We are very apprehensive about the impact of any proposed change on the success of the competition.

"We are keen to adopt constructive and positive dialogue regarding the indoor volleyball venue but we also determined not to let this historic opportunity for Japan, Tokyo, the Olympic Movement, FIVB and volleyball fans pass us by."

Volleyball is one of three venues under review from the TMG as part of Governor Koike’s cost-cutting measures. The TMG has begun to investigate alternatives to the canoeing/rowing and aquatics venues. Tokyo 2020, the IOC, international sport federations, and national sport federations have all called for finding solutions to keep the current venue plan in place, while cutting costs.

So far Governor Koike has inspected an alternate rowing site in Miyagi prefecture, although the governor of Saitama prefecture has suggested another possible alternative site.

Miyagi prefecture is located in Northeastern Japan, and was one of the hardest-hit prefectures from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. IOC President Thomas Bach has suggested holding events in the region for the Games to show the development of the area.

Written by Aaron Bauer

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