Director of Stadia & Arena Consulting at IMG | Global Sports Infrastructure Specialist | FWC26, FWC22 Expert
The WiZink Center: A Model of Multi-Purpose Venue Design 🏟️ I recently came across an article (https://bit.ly/3VPS0Uf) by Matt Reynolds about the future of stadium design, emphasizing the need for multi-purpose venues. This got me thinking about the WiZink Center in Madrid, a fantastic example of how a stadium can serve the community year-round. Located in the city's heart, the WiZink Center avoids becoming a “white elephant” by staying versatile and engaging. This arena is not just for sports events and concerts; it’s a vibrant part of the city, seamlessly integrated into its urban fabric. Here’s why the WiZink Center stands out: • Versatility: With a capacity of up to 16,000 spectators, the venue is adaptable to various events, ranging from basketball games to large-scale concerts. Each year, it hosts over 169 music events, 104 sporting events, and 60 events from other categories! • Community Engagement: Centrally located, it revitalizes nearby neighbourhoods, attracting locals and visitors and boosting local businesses. • Design and Functionality: Its design invites people in, offering restaurants, bars, and retail spaces that operate even on non-event days, making it a lively community hub. I attended a Hozier concert just a few days ago, and the sound quality and visibility were top-notch. Below is a photo from the event. The article’s concept of “unicorn” stadiums—profitable, sustainable, and beneficial to their communities—perfectly describes what the WiZink Center achieves. As stadiums move from the outskirts to city centres, especially in the USA, this model can redefine how these spaces enhance urban life. Let’s take inspiration from the WiZink Center and strive to design venues as dynamic and community-focused as they are impressive. 💡 #Architecture #UrbanDesign #CommunityEngagement #StadiumDesign #WiZinkCenter
Actualmente trabajo como asistente de servicios generales en la empresa Arup. En mi tiempo libre creo contenido en RRSS de temática de futbol.
8moGuillermo García, PMP® Congratulations Guillermo