Even before its completion in March 2008, the Beijing National Stadium was a major talking point in the capital city. During construction, which took more than four years, the stadium captured the imagination of the world and it is hoped that the ground will live on long into the future as one of China's pre-eminent sports venues.

Known affectionately as the Bird's Nest due to the web of twisting steel sections that form the architectural framework, the splendid stadium will be the primary venue for the Olympic track and field competition, the opening and closing ceremonies as well as some of the games of the Olympic Football Tournament.

Boasting a huge capacity of 91,000, the stadium was designed to incorporate various elements of Chinese art and culture. Located in the Olympic Park north of Beijing, it is only 1.5 km away from the Olympic Village and 25 km from the Beijing's Capital Airport.