Lu, Zhouxiang
(2013)
From Hongkew Recreation Ground to Bird’s Nest: The Past, Present and Future of Large Sports Venues in China.
International Journal of the History of Sport, 30 (4).
pp. 422-442.
ISSN 0952-3367
Abstract
The rapid growth of western sports in China in the early twentieth century gave rise to
modern sports venues and facilities. During the past 100 years, an increasing number of
large sports complexes were built around the country to facilitate the development of
sport and serve the mission of modernisation. This article examines the origins and
development of large sports venues in China in the context of history, politics and
society. State-funded sports facilities laid the foundation for the development of sport
in China. However, due to the high operating cost and the lack of commercialised
sporting events, many sports venues suffered severe financial losses. On the one hand,
the government should change its ‘elite sport first’ strategy and avoid the oversupply of
large sports venues. On the other hand, we should bear in mind that large sports fixtures
are important to the welfare of the society. Their social, cultural and economic values
should not be measured by a model that is based solely on cost and profit. Considering
China’s growing consumer market and the further development of sport industry, it is
evident that a strong spectator sports market will take shape and the long-term future of
China’s large sports venues is likely to be bright.
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