Archery at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games will be contested in the historic Panathinaiko Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. The stadium is one of the most famous landmarks in Athens and steeped in legend and tradition. The original stadium was built more than 2300 years ago and has since been reconstructed a number of times. However, it has retained its ancient charm and atmosphere, with its marble foundations adding a classical touch to its design.

The ancient Olympic Games, contested from 776BC to 393AD, were never held at Panathinaiko. Rather, the Olympics would be held in Olympia every four years, while Athenians enjoyed an annual sporting festival known as the Panathenean Games at Panathinaiko.

However, when the modern Olympics were established in 1896, the site was a popular choice as the main venue. Then, 241 athletes from 14 countries competed at the Games. Now, 10,000 athletes from 200 teams will participate, with archery alone having 128 athletes. As scenes from the Olympic Test Event in August, 2003, proved, the venue will be one of the visual highlights of the Games. The famed Acropolis can be seen on the top of a hillside less than a kilometre from the venue. The marathon will also end in the stadium.