The Greater Bay Area Cultural and Sports Center in Guangzhou has officially opened, and hosted its first event – a men’s basketball competition – on Sunday, China Daily reports.
The complex was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and built by the China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group and partners, with construction kicking off in 2023. It is considered a key infrastructure project in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).
Featuring a 60,000-seat stadium, a 20,000-capacity indoor arena, and an aquatics centre with a standard 50-metre swimming pool, diving pool and seating for 4,000 spectators, the venue also provides accommodation facilities for athletes on site.
[See more: Plans to build a cultural and sporting complex in Hengqin have been announced]
According to Arch Daily, the centre will be used for a wide range of events – from school sports to elite competitions – including the National Games in November. The Guangdong Football Super League will be held at the stadium from late August.
Located at the southern end of Nasha district, with views into the Nansha Wetland Park, the Greater Bay Area Cultural and Sports Center has sea on two of its sides. Its curvilinear design was inspired by traditional Song Dynasty sailing vessels and Chinese fans, and natural ventilation features will help combat Guangzhou’s humid climate.
Other notable Zaha Hadid Architects buildings in the GBA include Macao’s Morpheus hotel at City of Dreams, the Guangzhou Opera House, the Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum, and the Zhuhai Jinwan Civic Art Centre.
