The Beijing National Stadium(北京国家体育馆), also known officially as the National Stadium, or colloquially as the Bird's Nest (鸟巢), is a stadium(体育馆) in Beijing, China. Beijing National Stadium hosted the Opening and Closing Ceremonies(开闭幕式), athletic events(运动项目), and football final of the 2008 Summer Olympics from 8 August to 24 August 2008.Though designed for track and field events(田径项目) of the Olympics, the stadium will continue to host sporting events, such as football, afterwards(后来). A shopping mall and a hotel, with rooms overlooking(俯瞰) the field, are planned to help increase use after the Olympics. Li stated, "This will become the most important public space in Beijing.