The Valencia Roig Arena, a groundbreaking $282 million project in Valencia, Spain, is set to redefine the city’s entertainment landscape. Designed by the renowned global architecture firm HOK in collaboration with local practice ERRE Arquitectura, this multipurpose venue, led by LICAMPA 1617, an enterprise founded by Spanish entrepreneur Juan Roig, reached a significant milestone last month. The successful installation of all eight monumental steel trusses, each spanning an impressive 123 meters, marks a pivotal moment in the arena’s construction.
These colossal steel trusses, each requiring between 300 and 450 tonnes of steel, were meticulously assembled on-site before being expertly lifted into position. This operation demanded the use of two enormous cranes, each with a massive base of 100 square meters, which were transported to the construction site in pieces and assembled on location.
Scheduled to open its doors in 2024, the Roig Arena is poised to become Valencia’s premier destination for music, arts, culture, and sporting events. This multipurpose venue boasts a seating capacity of 15,600, which can expand to 18,600 with standing room, ensuring an unparalleled spectator experience. Premium hospitality options and a flexible, intimate seating layout further enhance the visitor experience. Moreover, the arena includes a versatile multipurpose room and an extensive car park that can accommodate 1,300 vehicles, both underground and in a multi-story structure.
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Beyond its immediate impact on the city’s entertainment scene, the Roig Arena project also promises to rejuvenate the surrounding neighborhood. The addition of a nearly five-acre public park and new facilities for the local Les Arts school will contribute to the overall revitalization of the area.
John Rhodes, the director of HOK’s Sports + Recreation + Entertainment practice in London, emphasized that the installation of these monumental steel trusses is more than just a construction milestone. It’s a testament to the innovative spirit and collaboration that define the Roig Arena project. He stated, “We’re thrilled to be creating more than a venue—this will be an experience that will resonate with the people of Valencia for decades to come.”
Amparo Roig, partner architect at ERRE Arquitectura, highlighted the transformation the Roig Arena will bring to Valencia and Spain as a whole. She added, “The installation of the eight trusses is another step toward the goal of creating a project that will be a game-changer for the city and will enable the enjoyment of events that were not possible until now.”
The lifting of the trusses, with a span of 123 meters and an edge of 9 meters, is a remarkable technical challenge due to their size and intricacy. They were meticulously assembled on-site over two months, and it took between 300 and 450 tonnes of steel to form each truss. Once ready, two large cranes were employed to lift the trusses over the stands. This operation will take a few weeks, and it’s worth noting that the cranes were brought in pieces due to their size, with a base covering about 100 square meters.
Project background
The Roig Arena project, a personal initiative of Juan Roig and the result of a public-private partnership, is located at the intersection of Ángel Villena, Bomber Ramon Duart, and Antonio Ferrandis. It will occupy a total built area of approximately 47,000 square meters, with a maximum capacity of 15,600 spectators for basketball games and 18,600 for concerts. Additionally, the project includes the construction of complementary infrastructure, such as the recently inaugurated new public school “Les Arts,” a public park, and an underground car park with around 1,300 spaces.
As the Roig Arena continues to take shape, it stands as a symbol of innovation, collaboration, and a promising future for Valencia’s entertainment and cultural scene. With its impressive design and multifaceted capabilities, this multipurpose venue is poised to become a landmark destination for years to come.
