BEIJING 2008: Work Begins On National Indoor Stadium
Work has begun on the new National Indoor Stadium in Beijing following a groundbreaking ceremony on 28 May 2005. This is the sixth venue for the 2008 Games to be built since Beijing was awarded the Games in Moscow in 2001. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by BOCOG President Mr Liu Qi and Beijing Mayor and BOCOG Executive President Mr Wang Qishan.
Gymnastics and Handball
The National Indoor Stadium will host gymnastics and handball competitions during the Beijing Games. The Stadium will consist of a main hall, with a warm-up gym and other outdoor facilities nearby. It will have a seating capacity of 18,000 spectators.
Folding Fan
Post-2008
After the 2008 Games are over, the National Indoor Stadium will be turned into a first class sports facility for local residents. The Stadium will be used not only for sports competitions, but will also stage entertainment events such as concerts.
The Sixth Olympic Venue
The National Indoor Stadium is the sixth Olympic venue to be built since Beijing was awarded the Games in 2001. It joins the National Aquatic Centre, the National Stadium, Laoshan Velodrome, the Beijing Shooting Range and the Wukesong Sports and Culture Centre as a future Olympic competition venue currently under construction.
Beijing 2008
The Games of the XXIX Olympiad - Beijing 2008, will take place from 8 to 24 August 2008. The Games in Beijing will play host to 28 sports, with approximately 10,500 athletes expected to participate, and around 20,000 accredited media on site, ready to bring the Games to the world.