(BEIJING, December 18) -- The expansion project of Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics (BUAA) Gymnasium is complete. BUAA Gymnasium maintains the same gray exterior as before, but the interior has an entirely new look.

BUAA Gymnasium was originally completed in August 2001. In January 2007, work to expand the gymnasium began. The expansion project aimed to meet the criteria of the three concepts of "Green Olympics," "High-Tech Olympics" and "People's Olympics," combined with the theme of "New Beijing, New Olympics." The expansion project also took into consideration the requirements for the gymnasium's post-Games use.

The "new" BUAA Gymnasium adopts architectural methods that have proved successful for other sports facilities worldwide.

Following are the seven main changes to BUAA Gymnasium achieved in the expansion project.

1. An addition of 3,000 seats, for a total of 6,000 Games-time seats; adjusted seating arrangements

2. New weightlifting competition platform and background wall. Weightlifting platform measures 12m X 12m X 12m; Background wall measures 38m X 13.5m

3. New warm-up area that is 1,392 sq m in area

4. New plasma screen, air condition system and other major equipment

5. Upgrade of 10 systems including, water, heating, electric, fire protection, safety and communications

6. Upgrade of interior decoration for 118 auxiliary rooms measuring a total of 5,900 sq m

7. New outdoor field and temporary functional rooms and parking lot

From January 20 to 24, 2008, BUAA Gymnasium will welcome the Good Luck Beijing 2008 International Weightlifting Invitational Tournament. From August 9 to 19, 2008, the World's Strongest Man competition will be held here followed by the Paralympic Weightlifting competition in September 2008.

Eventually, BUAA Gymnasium will be converted into a student, faculty a BUAA community fitness center.