KAA Gent Arena – stadium description

Initial renderings were presented in 2003, but it wasn’t until 2010 that construction began as procedural and financial problems were holding the project back. Once works began between 2010 and 2011, it took just over 2 years to make the stadium operational (mid-2013).

It’s located southbound, near a highway hub, replacing old market warehouses. Designed by Bontinck architecture practice, the stadium was to be combination of football ground and office building, thus the domination of glass and vast space inside, finding tenants since the very opening. Incorporated into the façade are LED lights allowing to present static and dynamic images.

The seating layout in a single tier sees capacity at just under 20,000 (with VIP/corporate balconies and skyboxes atop the stands on both sides of the pitch), but with expansion possible.

With optimized heating and lighting systems, the stadium is to be very efficient and solar panels spreading over the roof (13,000 sqm) should deliver a significant portion of the required energy. Rainwater collection system assures the ground uses as much of its own supply as possible, limiting the need for external sources.

Though nicknamed Arteveldestadion already in 2003, it’s official name is Ghelamco Arena after a naming rights deal was reached with the stadium’s general contractor in May 2013.