During the day, the Olympic Park in London is heaving with people going to and from events and seeing the sights. But at night, it's a different story. One day towards the end of the Olympics fortnight, CNN's Linnie Rawlinson stayed to see what happens once spectators are all inside the venues, watching their evening games.
An alternative view of the Olympic Park —
During the day, the Olympic Park in London is heaving with people going to and from events and seeing the sights. But at night, it's a different story. One day towards the end of the Olympics fortnight, CNN's Linnie Rawlinson stayed to see what happens once spectators are all inside the venues, watching their evening games.
Linnie Rawlinson/CNN
Though night was falling, and a little rain was too, the live broadcast in the Olympic Park continued ...
An alternative view of the Olympic Park —
Though night was falling, and a little rain was too, the live broadcast in the Olympic Park continued ...
Linnie Rawlinson/CNN
... watched by many hardy Olympics fans who'd purchased park tickets or stayed on after watching the day's events.
An alternative view of the Olympic Park —
... watched by many hardy Olympics fans who'd purchased park tickets or stayed on after watching the day's events.
Linnie Rawlinson/CNN
In the absence of large crowds, mounted police officers had time to chat to spectators - who took the opportunity to admire their horses, too.
An alternative view of the Olympic Park —
In the absence of large crowds, mounted police officers had time to chat to spectators - who took the opportunity to admire their horses, too.
Linnie Rawlinson/CNN
The picnic area outside the Copper Box, crowded earlier in the day, was almost deserted at dusk. Artist Monica Bonvicini's permanent sculpture, "Run," shone brightly in front of it. The venue will become a multi-purpose venue for community and sporting events.
An alternative view of the Olympic Park —
The picnic area outside the Copper Box, crowded earlier in the day, was almost deserted at dusk. Artist Monica Bonvicini's permanent sculpture, "Run," shone brightly in front of it. The venue will become a multi-purpose venue for community and sporting events.
Linnie Rawlinson/CNN
Even the Coca Cola beat box -- an interactive installation featuring music by Mark Ronson -- was quiet.
An alternative view of the Olympic Park —
Even the Coca Cola beat box -- an interactive installation featuring music by Mark Ronson -- was quiet.
Linnie Rawlinson/CNN
The stadium and the Orbit stood out against the cloudy East London sky and reflected in the River Lea, which flows through the park. The stadium was hosting athletics that night.
An alternative view of the Olympic Park —
The stadium and the Orbit stood out against the cloudy East London sky and reflected in the River Lea, which flows through the park. The stadium was hosting athletics that night.
Linnie Rawlinson/CNN
I could hear the crowd roaring from inside the stadium, but the ticket gate was as far as I could go. After the Games, the stadium will hold sports, community and entertainment events, with a focus on athletics.
An alternative view of the Olympic Park —
I could hear the crowd roaring from inside the stadium, but the ticket gate was as far as I could go. After the Games, the stadium will hold sports, community and entertainment events, with a focus on athletics.
Linnie Rawlinson/CNN
The Aquatic Centre shone neon yellow beyond wildflower planting on the banks of the River Lea. The venue's curved center, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, will remain after the Games. The sweeping wings either side are temporary stands that will be dismantled at the end of the Games.
An alternative view of the Olympic Park —
The Aquatic Centre shone neon yellow beyond wildflower planting on the banks of the River Lea. The venue's curved center, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, will remain after the Games. The sweeping wings either side are temporary stands that will be dismantled at the end of the Games.
Linnie Rawlinson/CNN
Anish Kapoor's "Orbit Tower," a permanent artwork and the tallest art structure in Britain, attracted many of my fellow stragglers, its vivid red form illuminated brightly against the sky.
Olympic park Orbit tower —
Anish Kapoor's "Orbit Tower," a permanent artwork and the tallest art structure in Britain, attracted many of my fellow stragglers, its vivid red form illuminated brightly against the sky.
Linnie Rawlinson/CNN
The Aquatic Centre with the Water Polo Arena in the background. From this angle, the Arena almost looked like a blue whale rising up from the Lea. The lights in its roof pulsed from blue to green to purple.
An alternative view of the Olympic Park —
The Aquatic Centre with the Water Polo Arena in the background. From this angle, the Arena almost looked like a blue whale rising up from the Lea. The lights in its roof pulsed from blue to green to purple.
Linnie Rawlinson/CNN
The Water Polo Arena, seen beyond the River Lea, is the first dedicated water polo venue to be built for an Olympic Games. Its components will be reused or recycled after the Games.
An alternative view of the Olympic Park —
The Water Polo Arena, seen beyond the River Lea, is the first dedicated water polo venue to be built for an Olympic Games. Its components will be reused or recycled after the Games.
Linnie Rawlinson/CNN
Two Eton Manor volunteers took a moment for a quiet conversation in front of the "bit.fall" installation by artist Julius Popp. Words taken from live news headlines are projected at random onto five man-made waterfalls under the Stratford Gate bridge.
An alternative view of the Olympic Park —
Two Eton Manor volunteers took a moment for a quiet conversation in front of the "bit.fall" installation by artist Julius Popp. Words taken from live news headlines are projected at random onto five man-made waterfalls under the Stratford Gate bridge.
Linnie Rawlinson/CNN
Once the evening's athletics had finished, crowds poured from the Olympic Stadium. Dancers guided the crowds towards the exits and wished them a safe journey home.
An alternative view of the Olympic Park —
Once the evening's athletics had finished, crowds poured from the Olympic Stadium. Dancers guided the crowds towards the exits and wished them a safe journey home.
Linnie Rawlinson/CNN
It was time for me to head home too. I bade the Olympic Park farewell, knowing it'd be the last time I'd see the five Olympic rings emblazoned against the East London sky.
An alternative view of the Olympic Park —
It was time for me to head home too. I bade the Olympic Park farewell, knowing it'd be the last time I'd see the five Olympic rings emblazoned against the East London sky.