Guangzhou International Sports Arena

Guangzhou International Sports Arena (Chinese: 广州国际体育演艺中心) is an indoor arena located in Guangzhou, China that was completed in September 2010. It is used mostly for basketball and it has a seating capacity of 18,000 spectators. On October 16, 2010, it hosted an NBA pre-season game between the New Jersey Nets and Houston Rockets^[1] A sellout crowd attended this game as the away team Houston Rockets beat the home team New Jersey Nets 95-86.

History

Designed by MANICA Architecture in partnership with the Guangzhou Design Institute, the Guangzhou Arena not only host Asian Games events in 2010, but is home to a wide variety of world class events such as basketball, international ice events, and major music concerts. The building’s design also specifically accommodates the rigorous standards of the NBA, a feature that will allow it to become home to the league’s expansion throughout Asia.

Everything about the arena design and layout has been carefully considered to ensure its success. The site, located in the quickly developing Luogang District, is well situated for ease of use and access. With multiple transit stops, and close proximity to major vehicular arteries, the arena will is an easy and enjoyable destination to travel to.

On approach to the arena, it is easy to see that it is the only one of its kind in the world. The flowing natural curves of the site are translated into the building’s harmonious exterior, and the soft flowing lines of glass and shining metal rise and fall as they spin and rotate around the building. Inspired by the legendary five colorful clouds that delivered the immortals on rams to save the city from famine, the design’s overall effect is both soothing and ephemeral. The building’s exterior is iconic and instantly recognizable as Guangzhou’s unique and beautiful home for sport and entertainment.

The elegance continues into the arena where guests are greeted by a spacious grand concourse, high ceilings, and direct access to their seats in the lower seating area. Each seat has been designed to maximize comfort and views for all guests, and the concourses incorporate a wide variety of food, beverage, with a large number of restroom facilities.

The arena is planned as part of a larger Sport and Entertainment District in the heart of the new Luogang District to the East of downtown Guangzhou. Once completed, the entire development will be recognized worldwide as the premiere sport and entertainment destination for the entire city.

On 18 April 2015, American singer-songwriter Katy Perry performed her first show of her Asian leg of The Prismatic World Tour at the arena. This was also her very first show in China.

References

External links

• Venue information

Coordinates: 23°10′47″N 113°28′52″E / 23.179718°N 113.481195°E / 23.179718; 113.481195