National Stadium (Main Venue of Universiade) Introduction
The National Stadium was completed on January 21, 2009, and serves as the main venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2009 World Games as well as competition grounds. It is an athletic field and soccer stadium that can accommodate 40,000 spectators (with the potential to expand to 55,000 seats) and is the first stadium in Taiwan that meets the standards set by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). In addition to being equipped for international sporting events, it features an outdoor performance plaza, commercial spaces, an ecological green network, and public art spaces. The main venue for the World Games was designed by renowned architect Toyo Ito, who discarded traditional concepts of stadium design to create the world's first open-type sports venue. The spiral external structure and solar photovoltaic panel roof combine to render the main venue a masterpiece of art and dynamism. Rejecting traditional building materials, the stadium's structure is built entirely from 100% recyclable materials, all sourced from Taiwan. The roof comprises 8,844 pieces of compressed glass solar panels that serve as the venue's canopy, achieving 70% shading effectiveness, generating 1.1 million kWh of electricity annually, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 660 tons. Besides providing power during events, excess electricity can be sold during non-event periods, and the construction achieved a record of zero workplace accidents, setting a new benchmark for energy-saving and carbon-reduction trends in sports facility construction. To help the public understand the sports facilities, architectural design, ecological environmental efforts, and public artworks at the National Stadium, guided tours are available. Domestic and international visitors are welcome to make appointments by phone or fax for reception and guided services.
