Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced the route and estimated timeline for the ATHENS 2004 Olympic Torch Relay, which will take place in New York City on Saturday, June 19th, starting in Athens Square Park in Astoria, Queens. Over 120 Torchbearers will carry the Flame for 34 miles through many of New York City’s communities, great landmarks and iconic locations before arriving at its final destination in Times Square for the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron by the final Torchbearer. The Olympic Torch Relay, presented by Coca-Cola and Samsung, will take place rain or shine.

“On behalf of 8 million New Yorkers, we are thrilled that New York City is participating in the first-ever global Olympic Torch Relay,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “On June 19th, when the Olympic Torch leaves Athens Square Park and travels through New York City’s diverse and vibrant neighborhoods, it will be as if it were passing through whole different countries, scattered around the globe. I encourage all New Yorkers to come out along the route and celebrate the excitement of the Olympic Torch Relay as it continues its worldwide journey to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.”

“We are honored to welcome the Olympic Torch, a symbol of the international community, to the ‘Greatest City on Earth’,” said Cristyne L. Nicholas, President and CEO of NYC & Company – the city’s official tourism marketing organization.  “Each year, millions of people make the journey to New York to experience the diversity and excitement that make our City a great place to visit.”

The Olympic Flame will travel through all five boroughs – Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, the Bronx and Manhattan – cheered on by New Yorkers and visitors from around the world. The Torch Relay is a unique opportunity to highlight the very best of New York City its diverse communities, cultures and defining landmarks. Some of the points of interest that New York City’s Torchbearers will pass include Athens Square Park, Fort Greene Park, the
Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, Richmond County Ballpark, Chelsea Piers, Radio City Music Hall, Columbus Circle, Central Park, Yankee Stadium, Museum Mile, Rockefeller Center, the Greek Consulate, the United Nations and Times Square.  The following is a listing of select locations along the route and estimated times of arrival: