The layout of the Olympic Sports Complex was inspired by Greece's classical tradition of stoa-like entrance plazas and agoras, while the long span steel arches of the new stadium and velodrome roofs convey the city's desire to present the 2004 games as a modern event. The tubular steel structures of the Olympic Stadium roof span 304 meters and weigh 15,000 tons each and cover a surface area of 25,000 square meters. To accommodate the tight construction schedule the roof structures were constructed adjacent to the existing stadium and hydraulically pushed into place along rails. The choice of landscaping, colors and materials, including ceramic tile, echo traditional Mediterranean design, and add to the symbolic encounter between architecture, engineering and sports.