(BEIJING, January 29) -- The National Aquatics Center, commonly known as the "Water Cube," is not just a competition venue for the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games aquatics events, Kang Wei, vice director of the Beijing State-owned Assets Management Co. Ltd, said.

"The landmark venue is far more than a competition venue," he said, adding that "Water Cube"-branded mineral drinking water may hit the market sometime soon.

Kang, also the director of the Beijing National Aquatics Center Co. Ltd, has been concerned with spreading the influence of the "Water Cube" brand.

"As far as I know, successful cases with regard to the spread of the influence of sports venue names have not been widely heard of."

Kang said the "Water Cube" mineral water would be collected from glaciers in the northern part of Canada, which contain very high quality water resources.

"The 'Water Cube'-branded water will target the middle and upper classes and be priced at nine yuan for ordinary bottles and 11 yuan for better ones."

Kang said the water would likely hit the market in half a month.

The water named after the "Water Cube" is not the sole effort made by the company to boost the influence of the landmark venue.

"Other goods such as stamps, commemorative souvenirs and drinks are in the plans now," said Kang.

In response to concerns about how the revenue from the "Water Cube"-branded goods would be used, Kang said it would go towards the operating fees for the venue.

"Because we won't set the ticket prices too high for spectators, we will face a financial loss. So we have to make sure the revenue enables the long-term operation of the venue."