What is the name of the Olympic stadium used in the 2008 Beijing Olympics?

What is the name of the Olympic stadium used in the 2008 Beijing Olympics? Beijing National Stadium. The landmark venue in Beijing’s Olympic Green was used for the opening and closing ceremonies, athletics, and the football final.

The stadium is widely known by its nickname, the Bird’s Nest, inspired by its intricate steel framework. Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron designed it with the China Architecture Design & Research Group, with artist Ai Weiwei serving as an artistic consultant.

Construction began in 2003 and the stadium officially opened on June 28, 2008. Its temporary Olympic configuration held about 91,000 spectators; after the Games, temporary seating was removed and the capacity was reduced.

The Water Cube was another famous 2008 Beijing venue, but it was the aquatic center, not the main Olympic stadium. The National Stadium was also used during the 2022 Winter Olympics.