6Athens’ Olympic Facilities, Greece
The Olympic facilities in Greece were also a true financial disaster which some say significantly “contributed to” the fall of Greece’s economy. Indeed, as this article is being written, Greece’s economy is still said to be “in crisis mode.” Similar to a number of other purpose-built stadiums and entertainment venues, the gigantic Olympic facilities were not constructed with any thought to long-term use.
In preparation for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greek officials, flush with lots of Euros, spent a lot of money on the games. Estimates vary but it is believed that they spent at least the equivalent of $412.8 billion current USD. Most of what was constructed were largely unused by 2020.
Meanwhile, the nation is deep in debt. Since there was no plan on what to do with the buildings after the Olympic Games, they have largely been abandoned. The aquatics center, for example, is now dry, garbage has been dumped in the outdoor training pools, and once attractive monuments are practically covered in graffiti.
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