Beijing's coolest venue warming to new role

Renovated Capital Indoor Stadium ramps up Games preparations

As the oldest of all Beijing 2022 venues, the Capital Indoor Stadium has transformed into a double-duty ice sports center following a facelift to stage two of the host's strongest disciplines at the Winter Olympics.

Built in 1968 as a multi-purpose summer sports facility, the stadium still evokes its past in much of its exterior appearance. However, the skating events taking place this week in its renovated competition hall herald an exciting new era for the landmark venue in the lead-up to the 2022 Winter Games.

With the arena playing host to figure skating and short-track speed skating in 2022, organizers and operational staff are currently attempting to perfect the transition between the two disciplines as part of the ongoing ice sports test program for the Games.