Biggest Indoor Arena in the World – Top 10 List (Updated 2023)

Biggest Indoor Arena in the World

An arena is a distinctive architectural structure typically characterized by its oval or circular shape, designed to host various forms of entertainment, including musical performances, sporting events, and theatrical productions. The term “arena” is derived from the Latin word “Harena,” which originally referred to the sand or dirt surface that covered the central area of ancient Roman amphitheaters.

A defining feature of an arena is its large open space at the center, surrounded by tiered seating on all sides to accommodate a substantial number of spectators. This arrangement ensures that all attendees have a clear view of the action or performance taking place in the central area.

The open space is often at the lowest point within the arena to maximize visibility for the audience, creating an immersive experience for everyone present.

The Colosseum in Rome stands as one of the most iconic and historically significant arenas. Built in the first century AD, it boasted a seating capacity of approximately 50,000 to 80,000 spectators and hosted various spectacles, including gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and theatrical performances.

Modern arenas continue to embrace the concept of providing a spacious central area surrounded by tiered seating. They are designed to cater to large audiences and can accommodate tens of thousands of spectators.

The Philippine Arena, currently the largest arena in the world, boasts a seating capacity of 55,000. These arenas often incorporate advanced technology, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, and amenities such as concession stands and VIP areas to enhance the overall experience for attendees.

In this article, we have listed and explained the top 10 biggest indoor arena in the world. Hence we suggest you to go through this article completely for a clear knowledge about the subject.

Top 10 Biggest Indoor Arena in the World

Here is the list of the top 10 biggest indoor arenas in the world as of 2023:

S.No.	Indoor Arena	Locations
1	The Philippine Arena	Bocaue, Philippines
2	Paris La Défense Arena	Nanterre, Paris
3	Romexpo	Bucharest, Romania
4	The Saitama Super Arena	Saitama City, Japan
5	SC Olimpiyskiy	Moscow, Russia
6	Baku Crystal Hall	Baku, Azerbaijan
7	Mineirinho	Belo Horizonte, Brazil
8	Smart Araneta Coliseum	Quezon City, Philippines
9	Rupp Arena	Lexington, Kentucky, United States
10	Greensboro Coliseum	Greensboro, North Carolina United States

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1. The Philippine Arena – Bocaue, Philippines

The Philippine Arena, located in Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines, is an iconic indoor arena and the largest of its kind in the world. With a seating capacity of approximately 55,000, it stands as a prominent landmark in the Ciudad de Victoria complex.

The Philippine Arena is renowned for its grand architecture and state-of-the-art facilities. It has hosted various events, including sports competitions, concerts, religious gatherings, and cultural performances. Its design incorporates modern technology, such as high-quality sound systems and large video screens, ensuring an immersive experience for attendees.

As a symbol of Filipino pride and innovation, the Philippine Arena has become a notable venue for international artists and performers. It has hosted concerts by renowned musicians, including Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, and Coldplay, attracting audiences from around the world.

Furthermore, the arena has played a significant role in religious events, particularly for the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ), which owns and operates the facility. The Philippine Arena has been the venue for the church’s large-scale gatherings and special occasions.

In addition to its size and versatility, the Philippine Arena’s location in Bocaue provides convenient access to visitors from Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Its presence has contributed to the economic and cultural development of the area.

2. Paris La Défense Arena – Nanterre, Paris

Paris La Défense Arena, formerly known as U Arena, is a multipurpose stadium located in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris, France. It is the largest indoor arena in Europe and serves as a venue for various sports events, concerts, and other live performances.

The arena was officially opened in October 2017 and was designed by the architect Christian de Portzamparc. It has a seating capacity that can vary depending on the event, but it can accommodate up to 40,000 spectators for rugby and other sporting events.

Paris La Défense Arena is primarily known as the home stadium for the rugby union team Racing 92.

It has also hosted international rugby matches, including Six Nations Championship games. The arena has a retractable roof, allowing for events to take place rain or shine.

Apart from sporting events, the venue has been used for concerts by renowned artists such as The Rolling Stones, Rihanna, and U2, attracting large audiences. It is equipped with modern facilities and offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, bars, and VIP areas.

Located in the La Défense business district, the arena is easily accessible by public transportation, including the RER A and tramway lines. Its unique architecture and versatile layout make it a significant landmark in the Paris metropolitan area for both sports and entertainment.

3. Romexpo – Bucharest, Romania

Romexpo is the largest exhibition center in Bucharest, Romania. It is a multipurpose venue that hosts a wide range of events, including trade fairs, exhibitions, conferences, concerts, and cultural shows.

Located in the northern part of Bucharest, Romexpo covers a vast area of approximately 100 hectares. The complex consists of several pavilions and outdoor spaces, offering versatile spaces for different types of events.

The most prominent structure within Romexpo is the Romexpo Pavilion, also known as Pavilion Central.

The Romexpo Pavilion is a large indoor exhibition hall with a capacity of up to 45,000 square meters. It is often divided into multiple halls to accommodate simultaneous events or can be used as a single expansive space for larger exhibitions.

The pavilion is equipped with modern facilities, including exhibition booths, conference rooms, and catering services.

In addition to the Pavilion Central, Romexpo has several other exhibition halls of varying sizes, along with outdoor exhibition areas. These spaces cater to different types of events, ranging from small-scale exhibitions to major international trade fairs.

Romexpo hosts numerous events throughout the year, covering various industries such as agriculture, construction, technology, automotive, and fashion. It is also a popular venue for concerts, festivals, and cultural events, welcoming both national and international artists.

4. The Saitama Super Arena – Saitama City, Japan

The Saitama Super Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Saitama City, Japan. It is one of the largest indoor arenas in the world and serves as a prominent venue for various sporting events, concerts, and other entertainment performances.

The arena was officially opened in 2000 and was designed by the renowned architect Hiroshi Hara. It has a seating capacity that can vary depending on the event, but it can accommodate approximately 37,000 spectators for concerts and up to 22,500 for sporting events.

The Saitama Super Arena is known for its flexible seating configuration. It features a movable section of seating that can be adjusted to create a more intimate setting for smaller events or expanded for larger-scale events.

The arena has hosted numerous international sports competitions, including basketball, volleyball, and mixed martial arts.

In terms of concerts and entertainment, the Saitama Super Arena has welcomed many renowned artists from around the world. It has been a popular stop for international music tours and has hosted performances by artists such as Madonna, Mariah Carey, and Bon Jovi.

The arena is conveniently located in Saitama City, just north of Tokyo. It is well-connected to public transportation, making it easily accessible for visitors.

The Saitama Super Arena is a significant landmark in the area and continues to attract a wide range of events, contributing to the cultural and entertainment scene of Saitama and the greater Tokyo region.

5. SC Olimpiyskiy – Moscow, Russia

SC Olimpiyskiy, also known as Olimpiyskiy Stadium, is a prominent multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex located in Moscow, Russia. It is one of the largest stadiums in Europe and has hosted numerous high-profile events.

The stadium originally opened in 1980 as the Central Lenin Stadium to host the Summer Olympic Games. It underwent extensive renovations and was reopened in 2001 as the Olimpiyskiy Stadium. The complex includes the main stadium, as well as several smaller indoor arenas and facilities.

The Olimpiyskiy Stadium has a seating capacity of around 81,000 spectators for football matches and can be expanded to accommodate more for concerts and other events. It is the home stadium for the Russian national football team and several local football clubs, including Spartak Moscow.

The stadium has been the venue for various major sporting events, including the UEFA Champions League final, the FIFA World Cup, and the World Athletics Championships. It has also hosted numerous concerts by internationally acclaimed artists, such as Madonna, U2, and Coldplay.

Apart from the main stadium, the complex includes the Olimpiyskiy Sports Palace, which is an indoor arena primarily used for ice hockey and basketball events. The Sports Palace has hosted numerous sporting events, including the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship and EuroLeague basketball games.

6. Baku Crystal Hall – Baku, Azerbaijan

The Baku Crystal Hall is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. It is a notable venue known for hosting various sports events, concerts, and cultural performances.

The Crystal Hall was constructed to host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012 and is situated on the Caspian Sea waterfront. It is an iconic architectural structure, characterized by its distinctive glass exterior, which gives the venue its name.

The arena has a seating capacity that can be adjusted depending on the event. For concerts, it can accommodate up to 25,000 spectators, while for sporting events such as basketball and volleyball, the capacity is around 7,500 to 8,500.

In addition to the Eurovision Song Contest, the Baku Crystal Hall has hosted several other international music events and concerts, attracting renowned artists and bands from around the world. It has also been utilized for sporting events like gymnastics, martial arts, and basketball tournaments.

The Crystal Hall is equipped with modern amenities and facilities, including dressing rooms, sound and lighting systems, and concessions for refreshments. It is well-connected to the city center and easily accessible by public transportation.

7. Mineirinho – Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Mineirinho, officially known as Ginásio Jornalista Felipe Drummond, is a large indoor sports arena located in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. It is a significant venue for sporting events, concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural activities.

Mineirinho was inaugurated in 1980 and has since become an iconic landmark in Belo Horizonte. The arena has a seating capacity that can vary depending on the event, but it can accommodate approximately 25,000 spectators.

The venue is primarily known for hosting indoor sports competitions, especially volleyball and futsal. It has been the home stadium for local sports teams, including the Minas Tênis Clube volleyball teams.

Mineirinho has also hosted international sporting events such as the FIVB Volleyball World League and FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix.

Aside from sports, Mineirinho has been a popular venue for concerts and music festivals. It has hosted performances by renowned national and international artists, including rock, pop, and Brazilian music acts.

The arena is well-equipped with facilities such as dressing rooms, concession stands, and sound and lighting systems. It is located within the Pampulha neighborhood of Belo Horizonte and is easily accessible by public transportation.

8. Smart Araneta Coliseum – Quezon City, Philippines

The Smart Araneta Coliseum, also known as the “Big Dome,” is a renowned indoor sports and entertainment arena located in Quezon City, Philippines. It is one of the largest indoor arenas in Asia and has played a significant role in Philippine sports and entertainment.

The coliseum was inaugurated in 1960 and has since become an iconic venue in the country. It has a seating capacity that can vary depending on the event, but it can accommodate approximately 16,500 spectators.

The Smart Araneta Coliseum has been a popular venue for a wide range of events, including basketball games, boxing matches, concerts, and beauty pageants. It has been the home court for several Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) teams, hosting numerous basketball games and championships.

The venue has also witnessed historic boxing matches featuring world-renowned boxers such as Muhammad Ali and Manny Pacquiao.

In terms of concerts and entertainment, the coliseum has hosted performances by both local and international artists, attracting large audiences. It has been a regular stop for international music tours and has hosted concerts by notable artists such as Madonna, Mariah Carey, and Paul McCartney.

The coliseum is equipped with modern facilities, including concession stands, dressing rooms, and state-of-the-art audio and lighting systems. It is easily accessible within Quezon City and is well-connected to public transportation, making it convenient for visitors.

9. Rupp Arena – Lexington, Kentucky, United States

Rupp Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Lexington, Kentucky, United States. It is named after Adolph Rupp, who was the highly successful head coach of the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team for over 40 years.

The arena opened in 1976 and has since been a prominent venue for sporting events, concerts, and other entertainment events. It has a seating capacity of approximately 23,500 spectators, making it one of the largest indoor arenas in the United States.

Rupp Arena is primarily known for hosting University of Kentucky men’s basketball games, which are a significant draw for fans from across the state.

The arena has also hosted other college basketball events, including NCAA Tournament games and conference championships.

In addition to basketball, Rupp Arena has also hosted other sporting events such as gymnastics, wrestling, and hockey. The venue has been utilized for concerts by numerous renowned artists, including Taylor Swift, Elton John, and The Rolling Stones.

The arena is equipped with modern amenities, including concession stands, VIP suites, and state-of-the-art audio and lighting systems. It is easily accessible within Lexington and is connected to the Lexington Convention Center, which provides additional event space.

10. Greensboro Coliseum – Greensboro, North Carolina United States

The Greensboro Coliseum is a multi-purpose arena located in Greensboro, North Carolina, United States. It is a prominent venue that hosts a variety of events, including sports competitions, concerts, trade shows, and other live performances.

The coliseum originally opened in 1959 and has undergone several renovations and expansions since then. It has a seating capacity that can vary depending on the event, but it can accommodate up to 23,500 spectators for concerts and 21,000 for basketball games.

The Greensboro Coliseum has been a popular destination for sports events, including NCAA basketball tournament games, Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) basketball tournaments, and professional wrestling events.

It has also hosted concerts by renowned artists such as Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, and Bruce Springsteen.

In addition to the main arena, the Greensboro Coliseum complex includes other facilities. The Special Events Center, also known as the Greensboro Coliseum Complex Special Events Center, is a smaller venue within the complex that hosts smaller concerts, trade shows, and conventions.

The Greensboro Aquatic Center, located adjacent to the coliseum, is a state-of-the-art swimming facility that has hosted national and international swimming competitions.

What is the World’s Biggest Indoor Arena?

Located in Bocaue, Philippines, the Philippine Arena stands as the largest multipurpose indoor arena in the world. Spanning an impressive area of 140 hectares, this architectural marvel is a testament to modern engineering and design.

Owned by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) institution of the New Era University, the Philippine Arena has a maximum seating capacity of 55,000 spectators, making it a grand spectacle for various events and gatherings.

The Philippine Arena is more than just a venue; it is a symbol of pride and accomplishment for the Iglesia Ni Cristo community. Its sprawling size and state-of-the-art facilities enable it to host a wide range of events, including concerts, sports competitions, religious gatherings, and cultural exhibitions.

The arena’s versatility allows for seamless adaptation to accommodate different event requirements, ensuring an immersive and memorable experience for both performers and audiences.

Beyond its impressive physical dimensions, the Philippine Arena represents the ingenuity and vision of its architects and engineers. The venue’s striking architecture blends contemporary design elements with cultural influences, resulting in a structure that captures the essence of Filipino artistry and creativity.

The arena’s innovative features and advanced technologies ensure optimal comfort, acoustics, and visibility for attendees, enhancing their overall experience.

As a significant landmark in the Philippines, the Philippine Arena has become a source of national pride and a symbol of the country’s growing prominence on the global stage. Its massive size and capacity have attracted international attention, solidifying its position as an architectural marvel and a world-class venue.

Other Largest Indoor Arena in the World

There are some more arena that requires special mention in this article. They are:

Salt Lake Stadium (Kolkata, India): Salt Lake Stadium, officially known as Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, is one of the largest stadiums in the world and can accommodate around 85,000 spectators. It primarily hosts football matches and has been the venue for numerous international competitions.

Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (Jakarta, Indonesia): Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, also known as GBK Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium with a seating capacity of around 77,000 spectators. It has been a significant venue for various sports events, including football, athletics, and concerts.

AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas, United States): AT&T Stadium, home to the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL), is one of the largest domed stadiums in the world. It can hold approximately 80,000 to 105,000 spectators, depending on the event.

Mercedes-Benz Superdome (New Orleans, Louisiana, United States): The Mercedes-Benz Superdome is a prominent indoor stadium that can accommodate around 73,000 spectators for football games and even more for other events. It has been the site of numerous high-profile sporting events, including Super Bowl games.

These are just a few examples of the largest indoor arenas around the world, each offering vast seating capacities to cater to a wide range of events and provide memorable experiences for spectators.

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