A stadium? A theater? Yes, both a stadium and a theater with a seating capacity of 20,000.
By 2018, or merely two years from now, give way to the biggest indoor events stadium in the desert oasis of Dubai – home to architectural firsts such as the Burj Al-Arab and so on.
Aptly called “Dubai Arena”, the multipurpose edifice at City Walk covers half-a-million square feet and could play host for large musical concerts, sporting events and other events.
AEG Ogden, an international venue management company wholly owned by Anschutz Company will manage the Dubai Arena. It is the same firm behind the successful operations of world stadiums such as the United Kingdom’s O2 Arena, Los Angeles’ Staples Centre in the United States, Shanghai’s Mercedes Benz Arena and Quodos Bank Arena in Australia.
“The new destination will enrich Dubai’s existing infrastructure and will add a new state-of-the-art venue that will accommodate international events and will raise Dubai’s credentials as a premium leisure and entertainment hub,” according to Meraas Group Chairman Abdullah Al Habbai.
“Dubai Arena will host famous and world renowned athletes, artists and performers and attract tourists to Dubai all year round. It will also host large global events and performances that have not visited the region as yet, due to the lack of a suitable platform for holding similar events.”
The air-conditioned Dubai Arena also features automatically changeable seating.