National Stadium (Main Venue of the 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 a competition site. It is an athletic and football stadium with a capacity of 40,000 spectators (which can be expanded by an additional 15,000 seats) and is Taiwan's first stadium that meets the standards of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). In addition to facilities for hosting international sporting events, it also features an outdoor performance plaza, commercial spaces, ecological green networks, and public art spaces. The main venue for the World Games was designed by the internationally renowned architect Toyo Ito, who broke away from conventional sports stadium design concepts, resulting in the world's first open-type sports venue. The spiral exterior structure and solar photovoltaic panel roof combine to create a beautiful blend of art and movement. Eschewing traditional building materials, the main venue’s structure is constructed entirely from 100% recyclable materials, and all raw materials are locally sourced from Taiwan. The roof is made of 8,844 glass-compressed solar photovoltaic panels, achieving 70% shading effectiveness, generating 1.1 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 660 tons. Besides providing power during competitions, surplus electricity can be sold during non-event periods, setting a record for zero workplace accidents during construction. This venue not only aligns with energy-saving and carbon reduction trends but also establishes a new benchmark for sports facility architecture. To help the public understand the sports facilities, architectural design, ecological conservation, and public artworks at the National Stadium under the Sports Administration of the Executive Yuan, guided tours are available. Domestic and international visitors are welcome to schedule a visit by phone or fax for reception and guided arrangements.
