The steel structure of the National Stadium. (Photo: CRIENGLISH.com)

BEIJING, Sept. 17 -- The main venue for the 2008 Olympic Games was unveiled for the first time when the supporting frameworks for the National Stadium was removed on Sunday.

    Construction teams took four days to remove the 78 bracketing columns that supported the 42,000-ton steel structure.

    The National Stadium has been dubbed the "bird's nest" for its unique and innovative grid formation.

    Covering 258,000 square meters and seating up to 91,000 people, the stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies, track and field events, and football finals during the Games.

    Construction began in December 2003. The concrete shell for the main stand was finished on November 15 last year, and the steel skeleton was welded together on August 31 this year.

    The National Stadium is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2007.