Work on 2012 Olympic stadium to begin 3 months early

LONDON (AP) -Construction of the main stadium for the 2012 London Olympics will begin three months early, coinciding with a visit by IOC inspectors.

The International Olympic Committee coordination commission will be in London from May 20-22 to review preparations. Local organizers will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the stadium.

The bowl-style 80,000-seat stadium will be used for track and field events and opening and closing ceremonies.

"Construction on the Olympic Stadium was due to start in August but the progress we have made means we are starting three months early, the Olympic Delivery Authority said in a statement Thursday.

The $970 million arena will include permanent seating for 25,000 spectators, with the remaining 55,000 seats in a temporary structure at the top.

After the Olympics, the stadium will be converted to an arena for track and field.