Many Hands, Much Politics, Multiple Risks – The Case of the 2008 Beijing Olympics Stadium

Not only one of the world's most remarkable sports facilities but also the first Public‐Private Partnership sport facility in China, the National Stadium for the 2008 Beijing Olympics Games has drawn much attention, received much help, produced much political debate and experienced multiple risks during its development and construction. But, at last, it was completed in time with good quality and at a reasonable cost. It played an important role in facilitating the success of the 2008 Beijing Olympics Games, giving an indelible impression to the world. This article reviews issues that arose during the stadium's development and construction and considers the risks encountered and lessons drawn. The construction and management arrangement was widely considered to be a public‐private partnership, but it is important to note that the so‐called private side consisted of a mix of public, blended public‐private and fully private organisations.