The Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic GamesAugust 8-24 2008
(BEIJING, September 13) -- The recently renovated Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium reflects the three major concepts of a "Green Olympics," "High-tech Olympics," and "People's Olympics."
The Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium expansion project mainly involved inspection and repairs to add reinforcements to the gymnasium's structure. This was to ensure that the venue would be able to meet the requirements of the Olympic Games competitions.
Increased insulation and energy savings has been achieved with the addition of an aluminum alloy layer on top of the external wall. Also the gymnasium was retrofitted with thermal insulating windows and doors.
Consideration for the spectators is reflected in the creation of a new main entrance for spectators in the south hall of the gymnasium, which replaces the older, narrower entrance.
The renovated gymnasium meets the barrier-free standards of the Paralympic and Olympic Games with the addition of wheelchair accessible ramps and barrier-free restrooms. In addition the training gymnasium for various Paralympic sports provides an ideal environment and excellent facilities for athletes.
The expanded Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium covers 47,410 sq m and consists of a 28,000 sq m gymnasium, 15,000 sq m training gym, and 4,410 sq m extension. Prior to the renovations, the venue's spectator stands could only seat 6,000; now, the venue can seat 6,300 spectators.
The Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium During the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium will hold the handball preliminaries and quarterfinals and will serve as the training venue for goalball, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing and wheelchair rugby.
Following the Games, the venue will serve as the training venue for the Chinese teams and as an activity center for citizens.
