Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics Gymnasium

Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics Gymnasium or BUAA Gymnasium is holding weightlifting competition during Beijing Olympics 2008. The venue has been renovated and upgraded so that it could fulfill the requirements of an Olympic level event. The upgraded building maintains more or less its outward appearance. However, its interior has been totally transformed.

Seating Capacity
The venue has 6000 games time seating capacity. About half of this would be removed after the games. The seats could be adjusted by the users.

Renovation and Expansion
The gymnasium, originally completed in August 2001, was undertaken in January 2007 for renovation and expansion. 6,000 Games-time seats were made available with adjusted seating arrangements. New weightlifting competition platform and background wall was built. A new warm-up area was developed. New plasma screen, air condition system and other major equipment was set. Ten systems including, water, heating, electric, fire protection, safety and communications were upgraded. Interior decoration was carried out in 118 auxiliary rooms. New outdoor field and temporary functional rooms were made. The air-conditioners in the stadium will be powered by natural gas. The university administration terms it a landmark building in the university campus.

Transport
The venue could be accessed by all sorts of transport including buses, taxis and cars. It also has a pretty good parking lot.

Pre Olympics
Prior to the Olympics, the venue has held Good Luck Beijing 2008 International Weightlifting Invitational Tournament.

Post Olympics
After the Olympics and ensuing Paralympics, the venue will be converted into a student, faculty fitness center for the BUAA community. The surrounding community will also be able to use it. Before that, it would hold the World's Strongest Man competition August 9 to 19, 2008 followed by the Paralympic Weightlifting competition in September 2008.