File Photo/Xinhua

The Beijing National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube, will be transformed into the venue for curling during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games. The renovation is expected to be finished before the end of the year, Beijing Morning Post reported.

According to the plan, the hall will be transformed into a venue with four curling sheets. Supporting facilities such as a temporary auditorium, locker rooms and barrier-free transit facilities will be renovated and constructed as needed.

According to the stadium's general manager, Yang Qiyong, the current amenities of the stadium are not able to satisfy all the requirements for curling. For instance, the thermostat must be upgraded so that temperatures in different zones of the stadium can be controlled separately. This will provide the most comfortable environment for both athletes and audiences.

After its transformation, the stadium will be able to host not only curling events but also skating, according to Yang. Meanwhile, an underground ice arena will be constructed under the south square of the Water Cube. After the Olympics, the curling sheets in the arena will be open to the public.