Hosting BEIJING28, a new event that brings together four International Skating Union (ISU) World Championships in a single city, will help strengthen the winter sports culture in China’s capital city and will maximize the legacy of the Olympic venues in Beijing.
‘globaltimes.cn’ stated that the International Skating Union (ISU) unveiled BEIJING28 recently, an unprecedented event that will host the four ISU World Championships alongside the ISU Skating Awards.
Lausanne (Switzerland)-based the International Skating Union (ISU) is the international governing body for competitive ice-skating disciplines including figure skating, synchronized skating, speed skating, and short track speed skating.
The International Skating Union (ISU) World Championships are a series of annual, premier international ice-skating competitions that crown the world champions in various disciplines. Governed by the International Skating Union (the global governing body for winter ice sports) these events represent the highest level of competitive ice skating outside of the Olympic Winter Games.
Historic Event
‘globaltimes.cn’ further stated that the historic event will see the ISU Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Short Track, and Synchronized Skating World Championships held in Beijing (China) in 2028, the first city in the world to host both the Summer and the Winter Olympic Games, according to a statement released by the world skating governing body.
Olympic Venues’ Legacy
Hosting these events will maximize the legacy of Olympic venues in Beijing, provide the Chinese athletes with home-ice experience against the world’s best competitors while generating greater public interest in skating disciplines, Wang Dazhao, a Beijing-based sports commentator stated.
The ISU has yet to announce a detailed competition schedule but has confirmed three Olympic venues for the event: The 18,000-seat National Indoor Stadium, the 17,345-capacity Capital Indoor Stadium and the 6,800-capacity National Speed Skating Oval.
‘Skating Cultural Moment’
The ISU said in a statement, “For the first time the pinnacle events of all ISU disciplines will share one stage creating a truly global showcase of skating at its very best. More than a sporting event, BEIJING28 will be designed as the world’s largest skating cultural moment – a city-wide festival extending far beyond the competition arenas and into the heart of the world’s first dual Olympic city.”
Winter Sports Culture
Dazhao noted that building a winter sports culture requires patience and sustained investment. Bringing major events to Beijing is one of the ways to foster that culture and inspire greater participation.
The fans and the visitors will be able to enjoy a range of activities during the event including the fan zones, the cultural activities, the athlete appearances, and the interactive digital experiences.
‘Bold Vision’
Kim Jae-youl, ISU President, said in a statement, “BEIJING28 is far more than a new event – it is a bold vision for the future of skating. For the first time in our history the athletes, the fans, the broadcasters, the partners, and the stakeholders from every skating discipline will come together on one stage creating a unique celebration that connects the cultures, the generations and the audiences from around the world. Working hand in hand with Beijing and China’s winter sports sector we will showcase the very best of our sport while creating new opportunities for fan engagement, storytelling, commercial partnerships, and collaborations culminating in an unforgettable experience both inside and outside of the venues.”
Significant Skating Event
Positioned between Milano-Cortina 2026 and the French Alps 2030 Olympics BEIJING28 will serve as the most significant international skating event of the Olympic cycle, the ISU said.
Beijing has been recognized as the world’s leading sports event city, according to the Leading International Sports Event Cities Influence Index 2025 released in February during an academic symposium at the Olympic Museum in Switzerland.
During the 2026 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships held in Beijing in January the Chinese athletes in singles and pairs competition got a crucial final rehearsal on home ice before the Milano-Cortina Olympics.
The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially the XXV Olympic Winter Games and commonly known as Milano Cortina 2026, were an international winter multisport event held from February 6th-22nd, 2026 at multiple sites across Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (Italy) with competition in selected events beginning on February 4th, 2026.
The 2030 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXVI Olympic Winter Games 2030, and branded as Alpes 2030, is an upcoming international winter multisport event scheduled to take place from February 1st-17th, 2030 in the French Alps Region (France).
Short Track World Tour
Later this year, Beijing and Shanghai will hold the 2026-2027 ISU Short Track World Tour from November to December. Additionally, the 2027 Speed Skating World Championships will be held in the capital from February 25th-28th, 2027. It will mark the return of the championships to China for the first time since the 2018 World Sprint Speed Skating Championships in Changchun, Northeast China’s Jilin Province.
Continue following Coliseum for the latest updates on sports venues, stadiums and arena business news worldwide.
Coliseum is dedicated to building a global community of sports and entertainment venue professionals helping create better and more profitable venues.
Become a member of the Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums,‘Fulham Pier engaging community like never before’ arenas and industry experts from around the world. Apply for membership through the Global Sports Venue Alliance and access the 365Coliseum Business platform.