Olympic sporting venues located inside the National Olympic Sports Center, just south of the Bird's Nest, are now open to the public - and we're not just talking about tourists poking their noses around. According to a report in Sunday's Beijing News, as part of a plan to put the Olympic venues to good use, the National Olympics Sports Center Stadium, National Olympics Sports Center Gymnasium, the Yingdong Natatorium of National Olympic Sports Center, National Olympic Sports Center Hockey Pitch, National Olympic Sports Center Comprehensive Training Gymnasium, National Olympic Sports Center Handball Training Gymnasium and National Olympic Sports Center Football Training Pitch are now all available for hire. The National Olympics Sports Center is not a new venue, but it under went renovation from 2005 to 2007 in preparation to host the Olympic Handball, Water Polo and Modern Pentathlon events.



The outdoor venues are suitable for athletics, football, basketball, tennis, softball and rugby, they can also cater to roller skating and rock climbing enthusiasts. Indoor options include basketball, indoor football, swimming, diving, tennis, badminton, table tennis, fencing, yoga, and taekwondo. Some areas of the venues are still being worked on and you should call in advance (see contact details below) to make sure that they're open. Coaching, medical services and lockers are all provided.

The venues are also available to be hired out for sundry shows and exhibitions. In fact, Midi organizers had originally planned to hold the annual music festival here before exorbitant security costs led them to reconsider.

Keep reading below for price details and opening hours:



Yingdong Natatorium of National Olympic Sports Center
RMB 30/visit.
Daily 2-8pm.

National Olympic Sports Center Stadium (Football)  
9am-9pm.                                                     

RMB 5,000/match.  


National Olympic Sports Center Hockey Pitch       
9am-9pm.     
RMB 1,500RMB/match, evening RMB 2,000/match.  

National Olympic Sports Center Hockey Pitch (Outdoor Tennis)   
9am-9pm.   
Weekend RMB 150/hour, evening RMB 180/hour.


National Olympic Sports Center Comprehensive Training Gymnasium (badminton) 
8am-midnight.
RMB 50/hour.

National Olympic Sports Center Comprehensive Training Gymnasium (indoor basketball) 
9am-9pm. 
RMB 600/hour.

Links and Sources
The National Olympics Sports Center (6497 2393, 6491 2147,6491 2233 ext 270)
Beijing 2008: Olympic Sports Center Stadium
Beijing 2008: Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium
The Beijing News: Olympic Venues open for public use