Sant Jordi
Barcelona's largest indoor arena, a versatile venue for sports and culture.
via Wikipedia: Palau Sant Jordi · see source
Palau Sant Jordi is an indoor sporting arena and multi-purpose installation that is part of the Olympic Ring complex located in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Designed by the Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, it was opened in 1990. The maximum seating capacity of the arena is 17,960. Since the inauguration, it is the largest indoor arena by capacity in Spain.
Quick Facts
- Groundbreaking
- 1986
- Built
- 1986–90
- Renovated
- 2014
- Expanded
- 2009 (temporary) (architect: Nussli Group)
- Operator
- Barcelona de Serveis Municipals (B:SM)
- Surface
- Parquet
- Cost
- €54 million
- Tenants
- FC Barcelona Bàsquet (1990–1992)
Lore & Background
The Palau Sant Jordi was one of the main venues of the Summer Olympics hosting the artistic gymnastics, handball, and volleyball events. It was the venue of the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Athletics. It also hosted three EuroLeague Final Fours, the EuroBasket from the quarterfinals on, and the Copa del Rey. The final of Davis Cup was the 89th edition; Spain defeated Australia at Palau Sant Jordi on 8–10 December, giving Spain their first title.
The arena also hosted the finals of Davis Cup between Spain and Czech Republic with the victory for the Spaniards 5–0. Palau Sant Jordi was the main venue of the FINA World Championships, where a temporary regulation swimming pool was installed. It played the same role for the FINA World Championships since the city hosted the Championships again after 10 years. It was one of six sites that hosted the World Men's Handball Championship including the final, and one of six sites to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.
On 5 October, the arena hosted an NBA preseason game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and local team FC Barcelona Regal.
Reader's Guide
The arena is used for a variety of indoor sport events as well as for concerts and other cultural activities, due to its great flexibility. The 3,000-seat Sant Jordi Club opened and is located behind the main building.
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