Beijing National Stadium

Last Modified Nov 19, 2021 11:38 GMT

The Beijing National Stadium, officially known as the National Stadium is a stadium located in Beijing, China. It was built specifically to host the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Designed as a nest of a bird, the stadium is also known as Bird’s Nest.

The design was originated from the study of Chinese ceramics and it implemented steel beams in order to hide supports for the retractable roof, giving the stadium the appearance of a bird’s nest.

Beijing National Stadium Capacity

The stadium was originally designed to accommodate about 100,000 people. However, the capacity was reduced by 9000 to simplify the design. The capacity of the stadium was further brought down to 80,000 when 11,000 temporary seats were shaved off from the total of 91,000.

Beijing National Stadium

History

The construction of the stadium started in 2003, and took about four years to complete. It completed in the year 2007, and the inauguration of the stadium took place in 2008.

The cost to build the stadium was $428 million and is considered as one of the best stadiums in the world.

Major Matches

The opening ceremony and the closing ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics was hosted in the Beijing National Stadium on 8th and 24th August respectively. It also hosted athletic events and football final of the quadrennial event.

After the Olympics, the opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Paralympics was also hosted in this stadium on 6th September and it also hosted athletic events followed by the closing ceremony on 17th September.

In 2009, this stadium hosted the Supercoppa Italiana or the Italian Super Cup final. In August 2011 and in 2012, the Bird's Nest once again hosted the Supercoppa Italiana.

Arsenal and Manchester City played each other in the inaugural China Cup on 27 July 2012.

Beijing National Stadium also hosted the matches during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the China PR national football team.

Other Sports Events

The stadium is scheduled to host the opening and the closing ceremonies of the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Beijing National Stadium would be the only stadium to host the opening ceremonies of the Paralympics and the Summer and Winter Olympics.

Related Stories

Sir Jim Ratcliffe ready to sell one of his clubs in order to finance a full takeover of Manchester United: Reports Sir Jim Ratcliffe ready to sell one of his clubs in order to finance a full takeover of Manchester United: Reports
Sir Jim Ratcliffe ready to sell one of his clubs in order to finance a full takeover of Manchester United: Reports
1d
“That would be a worry” - Tore Andre Flo reveals why he’s concerned about Chelsea signing Victor Osimhen “That would be a worry” - Tore Andre Flo reveals why he’s concerned about Chelsea signing Victor Osimhen
“That would be a worry” - Tore Andre Flo reveals why he’s concerned about Chelsea signing Victor Osimhen
1d
"When the road is dark, he's the light", "Deserves a statue" - Fans praise Manchester United star after their win against Athletic Club "When the road is dark, he's the light", "Deserves a statue" - Fans praise Manchester United star after their win against Athletic Club
"When the road is dark, he's the light", "Deserves a statue" - Fans praise Manchester United star after their win against Athletic Club
1d
“He said it when Inter were 2-0 up” - Zvonimir Boban shares prediction from Fabio Capello that came true during Barcelona vs Inter “He said it when Inter were 2-0 up” - Zvonimir Boban shares prediction from Fabio Capello that came true during Barcelona vs Inter
“He said it when Inter were 2-0 up” - Zvonimir Boban shares prediction from Fabio Capello that came true during Barcelona vs Inter
1d
"Please don't play him", "How does this guy start" - Barcelona fans unhappy with star's showing in 3-3 draw against Inter Milan "Please don't play him", "How does this guy start" - Barcelona fans unhappy with star's showing in 3-3 draw against Inter Milan
"Please don't play him", "How does this guy start" - Barcelona fans unhappy with star's showing in 3-3 draw against Inter Milan
"Finding his form at the right time", "Back in business" - Fans praise Chelsea star after 4-1 win against Djurgarden in UECL clash "Finding his form at the right time", "Back in business" - Fans praise Chelsea star after 4-1 win against Djurgarden in UECL clash
"Finding his form at the right time", "Back in business" - Fans praise Chelsea star after 4-1 win against Djurgarden in UECL clash
1d
Barcelona dealt blow as star player gets subbed out after picking up knock in UCL S/F against Inter Barcelona dealt blow as star player gets subbed out after picking up knock in UCL S/F against Inter
Barcelona dealt blow as star player gets subbed out after picking up knock in UCL S/F against Inter
"They can't run, they can't defend" - Pundit claims Vancouver exposed Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami's 'weaknesses' in 3-1 win "They can't run, they can't defend" - Pundit claims Vancouver exposed Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami's 'weaknesses' in 3-1 win
"They can't run, they can't defend" - Pundit claims Vancouver exposed Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami's 'weaknesses' in 3-1 win
1d
"The most decisive player in the world" - Inter Miami star provides honest reponse when asked if team is too dependent on Lionel Messi "The most decisive player in the world" - Inter Miami star provides honest reponse when asked if team is too dependent on Lionel Messi
"The most decisive player in the world" - Inter Miami star provides honest reponse when asked if team is too dependent on Lionel Messi
15h
"They are a top team" – Jamie Carragher names 'surprise' team that could challenge Liverpool for Premier League title next year "They are a top team" – Jamie Carragher names 'surprise' team that could challenge Liverpool for Premier League title next year
"They are a top team" – Jamie Carragher names 'surprise' team that could challenge Liverpool for Premier League title next year
15h
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications