Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Lotto Arena

Lotto Arena is an indoor multipurpose arena located in the Merksem district of , , adjacent to the larger venue. Opened on 10 March 2007 after nine months of construction, it has a seating capacity of 8,050 for concerts and 5,218 for sporting events, making it a key facility for live entertainment and athletics in the region. Primarily hosting concerts by international artists, games, and tournaments, the arena serves as the home court for the professional basketball team. Managed by the be•at group—formerly known as Sportpaleis Group and acquired by Live Nation Belgium in 2019—the Lotto Arena is designed as the "little sister" to the , offering a more intimate setting for mid-sized events while sharing operational resources and accessibility via public transport from . Its central location in 's entertainment hub has made it a staple for , with notable upgrades including energy-efficient LED systems to enhance . The venue's architecture supports versatile configurations, accommodating standing-room crowds for high-energy concerts and seated arrangements for competitive , contributing to its reputation as a reliable and modern facility in Belgium's live events landscape. Since its , Lotto Arena has hosted a diverse array of performances and competitions, solidifying its role in promoting cultural and sporting activities in .

History

Construction and opening

The construction of Lotto Arena was initiated in 2006 through a public-private partnership between the City of Antwerp and Sportpaleis NV, with each partner financing half of the €12 million total cost. Sportpaleis NV's shareholders at the time included directors of the live music group, the Ahoy venue in Rotterdam, and concert promoter Live Nation Holland. The project featured a to enable rapid assembly, with commencing in mid-2006 and lasting on a 5,000 m² site adjacent to the existing for shared logistics and infrastructure. This approach allowed for flexible flooring systems that could be reconfigured for various uses, including sports and concerts, enhancing the venue's multi-purpose capabilities from the outset. Lotto Arena officially opened on March 10, 2007, with an inaugural concert event titled "My First Night," featuring a lineup of prominent Flemish artists organized by the group Il Novecento. The opening marked a significant expansion of Antwerp's entertainment infrastructure, complementing the neighboring Sportpaleis while providing a more intimate space for mid-sized events.

Ownership and management

The Lotto Arena was established in 2007 as a under the Sportpaleis Group, with initial ownership structured around key shareholders including the directors of the live music group, the Ahoy venue in , and concert promoter Live Nation . This public-private partnership facilitated the arena's development adjacent to the in , emphasizing collaborative investment in venue infrastructure for sports and entertainment events. In April 2022, the parent company underwent a from Group to be•at, a change that better reflected its expanded portfolio of managed venues across , including the Lotto Arena, , and . This followed Live Nation Entertainment's acquisition of the Group in 2019, integrating be•at into the global Live Nation Venues network while maintaining local operational focus. On September 1, 2025, the adjacent was renamed under a new agreement. The arena's have been held by the Belgian National Lottery (Nationale Loterij), branded as Lotto, since its opening in 2007, with the sponsorship agreement remaining active as of 2025. This long-term deal underscores Lotto's role as a key financial backer, supporting the venue's branding and promotional activities. Daily operations of the Lotto Arena, including event booking, facility maintenance, and logistical oversight, are managed by be•at, which coordinates programming and ensures compliance with safety and accessibility standards across its venues.

Facilities

Location and access

Lotto Arena is situated at Schijnpoortweg 119, 2170 Antwerpen, in the Merksem district of , , immediately adjacent to the (formerly ), allowing for shared parking facilities and entry points between the two venues. The arena lies approximately 3 kilometers north of 's city center, integrated into the local urban landscape with event-specific traffic management strategies, including designated zones to handle influxes of visitors while staying outside the city's . Visitors can reach the arena via multiple options operated by , where event tickets serve as valid travel passes for the day of the show. The nearest stop is , served by lines 2, 3, and 6, located just 28 meters from the entrance and equipped with elevators for accessibility; the Schijnpoort stop on line 5 is also nearby. line 12 stops at Schijnpoort, while bus lines 19 and 23 connect to and Schijnpoort stops, respectively, with all trams and buses designed to be accessible, though some require assistance. Antwerp International Airport is approximately 6 kilometers away, with connections available via bus lines 51, 52, or 53 to Antwerp-Berchem station, followed by metro or tram transfers to the arena. For those arriving by car, parking options include the Spoor Oost lot at €6, Carrette at €8, and Vaart at €10, all shared with nearby events and featuring provisions for electric vehicles; Park & Ride facilities like P+R Linkeroever offer 1,500 spaces with shuttle links to public transport. Accessibility features support diverse visitors, including ramps, a dedicated entrance at 7b on the right side of the , and reserved seating with companion spaces, bookable in advance; the at provides elevators to street level, and guide dogs are permitted for visually impaired attendees. Pedestrian and bike paths connect the arena to surrounding areas, with secure bike available on-site to encourage sustainable .

Capacity and layout

The Lotto Arena accommodates up to 8,050 spectators for concerts, incorporating a central standing area, while its seated for sports events is 5,218. The venue's internal consists of multi-level seating across two tiers, divided into color-coded zones for easy navigation during events, with and staff assistance guiding attendees to their positions. The design emphasizes flexibility through adjustable flooring and modular staging systems, enabling efficient conversions between sports configurations—such as basketball courts for the home team —and concert setups with central standing or expanded stage areas. Various seating arrangements are possible depending on the event organizer's preferences, allowing for optimized layouts without fixed price ties to specific zones. Technical enhancements include a post-2010s upgrade to LED lighting, which doubles the previous light output for improved visibility and performance quality while cutting annual CO2 emissions by 82 tonnes through greater . These systems support adjustable intensities tailored to event needs, from athlete safety to broadcast standards. Amenities enhance with dedicated VIP lounges providing exclusive access, private tables, premium seating in top categories, complimentary services, and catered options including buffet-style meals with meat, fish, and vegetarian choices alongside beverages like wines and sodas served at tables. General concessions offer food and drinks throughout the venue, complemented by restrooms to accommodate diverse event crowds. This setup underscores the arena's adaptability for both athletic competitions and entertainment productions.

Events

Sports

The Lotto Arena has served as the primary home venue for the Antwerp Giants basketball team since the arena's opening in 2007, hosting the team's matches in the BNXT League—the top-tier professional basketball league jointly operated by Belgium and the Netherlands—as well as their games in the EuroCup competition. The Giants, one of Belgium's most successful clubs, have leveraged the arena's facilities to build a strong fan base, with average home game attendances often exceeding 4,000 spectators. This consistent turnout has elevated the local sports scene in Antwerp, fostering greater interest in professional basketball and contributing to the team's multiple league titles and European participations. Since 2016, the arena has annually hosted the European Open, an ATP Tour 250-series men's tennis tournament played on indoor hard courts, with the event drawing top-ranked players until its relocation to Brussels in 2025. For the tournament, the Lotto Arena's floor is reconfigured into a central tennis court setup, allowing for close spectator proximity—often with seating as near as baseline rows—while accommodating up to approximately 5,000 fans per session on the multipurpose hard surface. The event has become a key fixture in Antwerp's sporting calendar, showcasing high-level singles and doubles competition and attracting international attention through victories by players like Roberto Bautista Agut and Jannik Sinner in past editions. Beyond basketball and tennis, the Lotto Arena has hosted various other athletic competitions, including volleyball matches during the 2019 Men's European Volleyball Championship (EuroVolley), where it served as a venue for quarter-final games such as Serbia's 3-2 victory over Ukraine in front of 1,650 spectators. The facility has also accommodated occasional combat sports events, such as WWE wrestling house shows in 2012 and 2015, and boxing or kickboxing bouts under promotions like Glory Kickboxing, which held a sold-out card in 2024 featuring light heavyweight title fights. These diverse offerings underscore the arena's versatility in supporting Antwerp's broader athletic community, though basketball remains its most prominent sporting anchor.

Concerts and entertainment

Since its opening in 2007, the Lotto Arena has established itself as a key venue for musical performances and diverse entertainment in , , blending international touring acts with local Belgian talent to create a vibrant cultural hub. Early programming featured prominent rock concerts, such as The Who's performance on June 8, 2007, during their Endless Wire Tour, which drew large crowds and showcased the arena's suitability for high-energy shows. This set the stage for a steady influx of global artists, including on June 3, 2007, as part of The Open Door Tour, and on May 30, 2015, highlighting the venue's appeal for pop and rock spectacles. Over the years, event programming has evolved to encompass not only mainstream music tours but also innovative formats like orchestral renditions of classics and multimedia productions, reflecting growing demand for varied experiences while maintaining a balance between international draw and support for regional artists. The arena's concert lineup has consistently attracted major international performers, with recent and upcoming events underscoring its role in hosting global tours. For instance, delivered a dynamic set on November 12, 2025, as part of their Tanzneid World , complete with confetti bursts and hits like "" and "," supported by and Wargasm UK. Looking ahead, will mark their 25th anniversary with a world tour stop on November 24, 2026, performing timeless tracks such as "." will bring his How Did We Get Here? World to the venue on April 19, 2026, blending new album material with solo hits, accompanied by . Similarly, Kesha's energetic The Tits Out will arrive on March 9, 2026, emphasizing themes of love, freedom, and self-expression through her signature pop anthems. Complementing these high-profile music events, the Lotto Arena has hosted a range of entertainment options, including theater-inspired musicals, , and festival-style gatherings that appeal to local audiences. The #LikeMe In Concert production filled the arena on April 5, 2025, featuring a new cast from the popular Belgian TV series delivering smash hits in a lively, format that celebrates youth and music. Comedy programming includes Dutch-Belgian Soundos El Ahmadi's Witte Ruis show on April 2, 2026, known for her sharp wit and high-energy delivery in a sold-out spectacle. Music festivals and themed events, such as Club Classics on March 13, 2026, transform the space into a haven with a live performing iconic anthems from the and . Local Belgian artists further enrich the calendar, exemplified by Jasper Steverlinck's intimate "best of" anniversary concerts on December 5 and 6, 2025, incorporating new songs, career highlights, and tributes in a symphonic setting. To support this diverse programming, the Lotto Arena features flexible technical setups, including robust stage rigging for elaborate productions and a high-quality sound system praised for clarity in genres from to orchestral , allowing seamless adaptation for both seated and standing configurations without altering core infrastructure. This evolution from rock-focused origins to a multifaceted destination has solidified the venue's status, fostering collaborations between global tours and Belgian cultural acts.

References

  1. [1]
    Lotto Arena & Sportpaleis - Antwerp - EuroVolley
    Lotto Arena is an arena in Antwerp, Belgium. It has a seating capacity for 8,050 people for concerts and 5,218 for sporting events. The arena opened on March 10 ...
  2. [2]
    Lotto Arena Antwerpen | Lotto Arena
    The Lotto Arena is the little sister of Sportpaleis Antwerpen. It hosts sports games and concerts and is home to basketball team Antwerp Giants.Calendar · Plan your visit · Practical information · News
  3. [3]
    at - the new name for Sportpaleis Group - The Brussels Times
    May 9, 2022 · The new name be•at now describes much better what the group stands for today in terms of venue management. Sportpaleis, Lotto Arena, Antwerp ...Missing: ownership | Show results with:ownership
  4. [4]
    Report: Live Nation Belgium Acquires Belgian Venue Operator ...
    Apr 12, 2019 · Per IQ Magazine, Antwerp Sportpaleis managers Jan Van Esbroeck and Jan Vereecke will continue in their roles at the company following the ...
  5. [5]
    Innovative lighting for Lotto Arena | Encon
    When the owners of Lotto Arena saw how much energy and CO2 a new LED lighting system saved by producing twice as much light, they decided to modify their entire ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  6. [6]
    Belgian Biz Welcomes Lotto Arena - Billboard
    Mar 13, 2007 · Sportpaleis' shareholders include the live music group's directors, the Ahoy venue in Rotterdam, concert promoter Live Nation Holland (formerly ...Missing: ownership management
  7. [7]
    [PDF] CFE - 2006 annual report - Vinci
    Jun 14, 2006 · “Dennenburg” project, with the remainder scheduled for delivery at the beginning of 2007. New all-purpose sports centre. “Lotto Arena” in ...
  8. [8]
    Sportpaleis baart kerngezonde baby - Nieuwsblad
    Mar 11, 2007 · ... Lotto Arena er bij in Antwerpen. Gisteravond werd de gloednieuwe concertzaal geopend met een rist Vlaamse vedetten op 'My First Night'.
  9. [9]
    Live Nation acquires Belgium's Sportpaleis - IQ Magazine
    Live Nation Belgium has acquired venue operator Antwerps Sportpaleis, which runs the 23000-cap. Sportpaleis arena, among others.Missing: Lotto partners Ahoy Rotterdam
  10. [10]
    About be•at | Lotto Arena
    The Lotto Arena is the little sister of Sportpaleis Antwerpen. It hosts sports games and concerts and is home to basketball team Antwerp Giants.
  11. [11]
    Lotto Arena - Be•at
    Ever since it opened its doors in 2007, the Lotto Arena next to the Sportpaleis has been on a par with its neighbour. In addition to concerts and other ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
  12. [12]
    By car - Antwerpen - Lotto Arena
    Schijnpoortweg 119, 2170 Merksem (on the right side of AFAS Dome) · Parking costs 10 euros. · This car park is located outside the low emission zone. · ⚠️ Please ...Missing: accessibility | Show results with:accessibility
  13. [13]
    Antwerp to Lotto Arena - 3 ways to travel via line 3 tram, taxi, and foot
    The journey takes approximately 10 min. ... How far is it from Antwerp to Lotto Arena? The distance between Antwerp and Lotto Arena is 3 km.Antwerp To Lotto Arena By... · What Companies Run Services... · Antwerp(opens In A New...
  14. [14]
    By metro, by tram or by bus | Lotto Arena
    A map of Antwerp shows P&R locations and tram lines leading to AFAS Dome. Metro, tram, and bus stops nearby. Several bus, tram, and metro lines stop close to ...Your Entry Ticket Is Valid... · Metro, Tram, And Bus Stops... · Metro Stop Sport
  15. [15]
    AFAS Dome and Lotto Arena - De Lijn
    Save yourself the traffic and parking stress and take public transport to the AFAS Dome and Lotto Arena. Your entry ticket is valid as a means of transport for ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  16. [16]
    How to Get to Lotto Arena in Antwerpen by Bus, Light Rail, Train or ...
    Nov 1, 2025 · It has a seating capacity for 8,050 people for concerts and 5,218 for sporting events. The arena opened on 10 March 2007 after nine months of ...
  17. [17]
    Antwerp Airport (ANR) to Lotto Arena - 4 ways to travel via line 31 bus
    The distance between Antwerp Airport (ANR) and Lotto Arena is 6 km. How do I travel from Antwerp Airport (ANR) to Lotto Arena without a car? The best way to ...
  18. [18]
    Public transportation - Antwerp International Airport
    By public transportation there are buses 51, 52 and 53 bring you from Antwerp International Airport to Antwerp-Berchem railway station in 10 minutes.Train Stations · Antwerp-Central Station · Bus
  19. [19]
    Accessibility | Lotto Arena
    In metro station Sport, located near AFAS Dome and Lotto Arena, elevators are available to take you to and from street level. Is the use of a Park & Ride not an ...Missing: transport | Show results with:transport
  20. [20]
    Is there a separate car park and entrance? – be•at - Helpcenter
    Oct 21, 2025 · On the right hand side of AFAS Dome is entrance 7b. This entrance is accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with specific needs.Missing: public | Show results with:public
  21. [21]
    https://www.lotto-arena.be/en/plan-your-visit/accessibility
  22. [22]
    Lotto Arena - Reviews. Quote. Booking. - eventplanner.net
    Lotto Arena, opened in 2007, is a multifunctional venue for sports, concerts, and shows, with a capacity of 8,050. It is a smaller, more intimate copy of ...
  23. [23]
    Seating plan - Lotto Arena
    Find your seat in the Lotto Arena. The Lotto Arena is divided into different color zones. Please check the color listed on your ticket.
  24. [24]
    Exclusive benefits | Lotto Arena
    Catering varies per event. Enjoy a diverse offer of drinks in the VIP lounge: water, different sodas, as well as sparkling and normal wines. Our personnel will ...Missing: amenities concessions
  25. [25]
    Telenet Giants Antwerp break attendance record in Belgium with ...
    Mar 26, 2018 · Telenet Giants Antwerp break attendance record in Belgium with 17,250 spectators ... ANTWERP (Belgian EuroMillions Basketball League) - A record ...
  26. [26]
    European Open 2024: Draws, Dates, History & All You Need To Know
    Oct 8, 2024 · The ninth edition of the European Open will be held at the Lotto Arena in Antwerp. Alex de Minaur, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Felix Auger-Aliassime headline the ...
  27. [27]
    European Open, Antwerp Prize Money | 2025 Breakdown & Historicals
    It takes place at the multipurpose Lotto Arena in Antwerp, which has a seating capacity of 8,000. The event is a smaller indoor hard court tournament with a ...Missing: setup | Show results with:setup
  28. [28]
    Men Volleyball XXXI European Championship 2019 - Winner Serbia
    played at Lotto Arena, Merksem Antwerp, Belgium. Tue 24.09.19, 20:30, SRB Serbia, 3-2, UKR Ukraine, 105-104, 21-25, 25-23, 25-22, 19-25, 15-9, 2:06, 1,650 ...Missing: matches | Show results with:matches
  29. [29]
    Card « WWE RAW House Show « Events Database « - Cagematch
    WWE RAW House Show. Date: 21.04.2012. Promotion: World Wrestling Entertainment. Type: House Show. Location: Antwerpen, Belgien. Arena: Lotto ...
  30. [30]
    GLORY 94 - GLORY Kickboxing
    LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT FIGHT. Aug 31, 2024. Lotto Arena Antwerp. Lotto Arena Antwerp. WATCH. Main Card; Prelims. Main Card Main Card Main Card. Light Heavyweight ...
  31. [31]
    The Who live in Antwerp, Friday, 08. June 2007
    Jun 8, 2007 · Set list. I Can't Explain · The Seeker · Substitute · Fragments · Who Are You · Behind Blue Eyes · Real Good Looking Boy · Baba O'Riley ...
  32. [32]
    Evanescence Concert Setlist at Lotto Arena, Merksem on June 3, 2007
    Get the Evanescence Setlist of the concert at Lotto Arena, Merksem, Belgium on June 3, 2007 from the The Open Door Tour and other Evanescence Setlists for ...
  33. [33]
    Electric Callboy | Tickets - Lotto Arena
    Electric Callboy plays at Lotto Arena on Wed 12.11.2025, with a metalcore show, confetti, flashy outfits, and hits like "HYPA HYPA" and "Pump It".
  34. [34]
    Westlife 25 | Tickets - Lotto Arena
    Westlife 25. The Anniversary World Tour. Tue 24.11.2026. Westlife 25. The Anniversary World Tour. Tue 24.11.2026. From classics like “Flying Without Wings” to ...
  35. [35]
    Louis Tomlinson | Tickets - Lotto Arena
    Louis Tomlinson returns to Antwerp with the How Did We Get Here? World Tour. He'll present his new album but will also perform his well-known hits such as “ ...Missing: 2025 | Show results with:2025
  36. [36]
    Kesha | Tickets - Lotto Arena
    Kesha is heading to the Lotto Arena with 'The Tits Out ... Love, freedom, and self-expression take center stage. Buy tickets. Mon 09.03.2026Timing to follow ...
  37. [37]
    #LikeMe In Concert 2025 | Tickets | Lotto Arena
    #LikeMe is back with a brand new season and a smashing concert on April 5 at the Lotto Arena. Meet the new cast, sing along with the biggest hits.Missing: theater | Show results with:theater
  38. [38]
    Tickets for Soundos on Thu, 2 Apr 2026, 20:00 Lotto Arena Antwerpen
    Buy Tickets for Soundos at Lotto Arena Antwerpen, Merksem (Antwerpen). Official Ticketmaster Website.
  39. [39]
    Club Classics | Tickets - Lotto Arena
    On Friday, March 13, Club Classics will bring iconic dance tracks to Lotto Arena in Antwerp for the first time. True club classics will be performed live by the ...
  40. [40]
    Jasper Steverlinck | Tickets - Lotto Arena
    Jasper Steverlinck ends his anniversary year at the Lotto Arena with a unique 'best of' show featuring new songs, timeless hits, and tributes.Missing: notable international 2007-2025
  41. [41]
    How good was the sound in the Lotto Arena during Devin Wild!?
    Sep 21, 2021 · The sound was good during any set at Lotto. Insane. And hilarious how people complained certain acts being stage 2, when I said since the ...