Bizkaia Arena facts for kids
Great Bertsolari Championship in 2017
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| Location | Ronda de Azkue Nr. 1, 48902 Barakaldo, Biscay, Spain |
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| Coordinates | 43°17′17.65″N 2°59′26.64″W / 43.2882361°N 2.9907333°W |
| Capacity | Concerts: 26,000 Sports: 15,414 |
| Record attendance | 15,483 (Ukraine vs United States, 4 September 2014) |
| Construction | |
| Opened | November 2004 |
| Architect | ACXT |
| Tenants | |
| Bizkaia Bilbao Basket (2009–2010) | |
The Bizkaia Arena is a huge indoor stadium located in Barakaldo, a town near Bilbao in Spain. It's the biggest multi-purpose hall in all of Spain! This means it can be used for many different things. It can hold up to 26,000 people for concerts and other big events. For sports like basketball, it can fit 15,414 fans.
This amazing arena is part of the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC) complex. The BEC is a large center for exhibitions and conferences in Bilbao and Biscay, which opened in April 2004.
The Bizkaia Arena often hosts exciting basketball games. It was one of the six places used for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, a huge international basketball tournament held in Spain. The arena also hosted the annual MTV Europe Music Awards in 2018. This was a big deal, as it was the first time the awards show came to Bilbao.
A Look Back: History of the Arena
The Bizkaia Arena has a cool history. For example, the local basketball team, Bilbao Basket, used it as their home court during the 2009-2010 season. They also sometimes play their most important games there. In 2010, the arena hosted the final rounds of the Spanish King's Cup for basketball.
The arena has also seen some special basketball matches. It once hosted a game between Bilbao Basket and an NBA team from the United States, the Philadelphia 76ers. Besides sports, many famous pop and rock stars from around the world have performed concerts here.
But it's not just for music and sports! The Bizkaia Arena has been used for all sorts of other events. These include opera shows, popular ice-skating performances like Disney on Ice, and even large meetings for political speeches or religious gatherings. It's a truly versatile place!
Who Has Performed Here?
Many famous artists and bands from all over the world have performed at the Bizkaia Arena since it opened. The stage has welcomed stars from different countries and music styles.
Some of the well-known artists who have played here include:
- Lenny Kravitz (United States)
- Muse (United Kingdom)
- Jonas Brothers (United States)
- Rammstein (Germany)
- George Michael (United Kingdom)
- Rihanna (Barbados)
- Iron Maiden (United Kingdom)
- Elton John (United Kingdom)
- Paul Simon (United States)
- Ricky Martin (Puerto Rico)
- Shakira (Colombia)
- Twenty One Pilots (United States)
- Bob Dylan (United States)
- Hans Zimmer (Germany)
- Bryan Adams (Canada)
- Myke Towers (Puerto Rico)
- Rauw Alejandro (Puerto Rico)
- C. Tangana (Spain)
- Rosalía (Spain)
- Aitana (Spain)
- Depeche Mode (United Kingdom)
These are just a few examples of the many incredible shows that have taken place at the Bizkaia Arena over the years, bringing music and entertainment to thousands of fans.
More to Explore
- Bilbao Exhibition Centre
- Bilbao Arena
- List of indoor arenas in Spain
See also
In Spanish: Bizkaia Arena para niños
