The Shanghai Science and Technology Sports Motion Management Center has opened its air-supported structure, known as “Mo Li Fang” (Cube Membrane), for public reservations, offering discounted access to badminton and drone soccer facilities from July 8 to July 22. According to the center, the venue provides a climate-controlled environment designed to integrate sports technology with public recreation in Shanghai.
What is the “Mo Li Fang” facility and what sports does it offer?
The “Mo Li Fang” is an air-supported sports hall operated by the Shanghai Science and Technology Sports Motion Management Center. Unlike traditional steel-frame stadiums, this facility uses a membrane structure maintained by internal air pressure, which allows for a large, column-free interior space. This design is specifically utilized to house high-ceiling sports and tech-integrated activities.
The facility currently highlights two primary offerings for the public: badminton courts and drone soccer arenas. Drone soccer is a burgeoning tech-sport where players pilot drones equipped with protective cages to score goals, blending traditional sports mechanics with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) piloting skills.
How can residents access the limited-time discounts?
The promotional window runs from July 8 through July 22. During this period, the center has implemented a reservation system for citizens to book badminton and drone soccer slots at reduced rates. While the specific pricing tiers vary by time slot and activity, the center has opened these bookings to encourage public trial of the air-membrane technology and the drone soccer equipment.
Reservations are typically handled through the center’s official digital channels or affiliated Shanghai sports booking platforms. Because the “Mo Li Fang” is a specialized facility with a finite capacity, the center recommends early booking to secure slots during the promotional window.
Why is the air-membrane structure significant for sports?
Air-supported structures, or “air domes,” provide a distinct advantage for racket sports and drone activities by eliminating internal pillars that could obstruct flight paths or shuttlecock trajectories. According to technical specifications for such venues, these membranes provide efficient thermal insulation and natural light diffusion, reducing the energy costs associated with lighting and heating compared to traditional concrete arenas.
For the city of Shanghai, this facility serves as a testbed for “Science and Technology Sports,” a policy initiative aimed at merging athletic activity with technological innovation. By pairing a traditional sport like badminton with a futuristic one like drone soccer, the center aims to attract a younger, tech-savvy demographic to public sports facilities.
What is drone soccer and how is it played?
Drone soccer is a competitive team sport where players fly drones inside a protective spherical cage. The objective is to navigate the drone through a hoop suspended in the air, similar to a basketball hoop or a soccer goal. Because the drones are encased in carbon fiber or plastic spheres, collisions are frequent and expected, making the “Mo Li Fang”‘s open-span ceiling ideal for the verticality required for these maneuvers.
The sport requires a combination of precise motor skills and strategic teamwork. At the Shanghai Science and Technology Sports Motion Management Center, these arenas are equipped with the necessary safety netting and electronic scoring systems to facilitate both casual play and organized competition.
The current promotional period ends on July 22. The center has not yet announced if the discounts will be extended or if new sports verticals will be added to the “Mo Li Fang” rotation for the autumn season.
Do you think drone soccer will become a mainstream sport in urban centers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
