The design and implementation of systems for the support of venue operations for the Olympic Games is a complex and multifaceted undertaking. Venue operations are designed to support the efficient functioning of every venue for every day for the duration of the Games. This paper presents the challenges faced and experiences gained during two years of requirements engineering projects for this high-profile and multifarious application. The paper describes the unique nature of the enterprise environment, briefly discusses and critiques the approaches traditionally used, presents the approach adopted in the venue operations planning of the Athens2004 Olympic Games and discusses the issues that influenced the process of requirements elicitation. The Purpose of the paper is to report on experiences from a particular tyoe of requirements problems (very early, strategic requirements) and to draw lessons that may inform future practice and research.