Sportpaleis opened its doors in Merksem, Antwerp, Belgium, on September 11, 1933, originally built as a velodrome to host track cycling events. Over nine decades it grew into one of Europe’s busiest indoor arenas, expanding from its cycling roots into a full-scale concert and sports venue capable of holding tens of thousands of fans under one roof.
A major renovation between 2010 and 2013 replaced the arena’s roof and boosted total capacity from about 18,400 to as many as 23,001 spectators, cementing its reputation as Belgium’s flagship arena. In 2025, after 92 years as Sportpaleis, the venue entered a naming partnership with Dutch software company AFAS and was officially renamed AFAS Dome on September 1, though longtime fans still know it by its original name.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Merksem, Antwerp, Belgium
- Type: Multipurpose indoor arena
- Opened: September 11, 1933
- Capacity: Up to 23,001 (about 18,575 seated for sports)
- Current Name: AFAS Dome (renamed September 1, 2025)
- Operator: Be-At Venues NV
- Famous For: Ranked the world’s second-busiest event hall by Billboard in 2007-2008, behind only Madison Square Garden
From Velodrome to World-Class Arena
Sportpaleis began life in 1933 as a purpose-built velodrome for track cycling, a hugely popular sport in Belgium at the time. As live entertainment and major sporting events grew in scale through the 20th century, the venue adapted, eventually becoming the multipurpose arena recognized today. The 2010-2013 renovation, which included a new roof and added roughly 2,600 spectator spaces, brought the facility up to modern arena standards while preserving its status as a cultural landmark in Antwerp.
A Stage for Global Superstars
Over the decades, Sportpaleis hosted international headliners including Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Metallica, alongside major sporting championships such as the World Gymnastics Championships in 2013 and 2023 and the Basketball Champions League Final Four in 2019. Its consistently packed calendar helped it earn recognition from Billboard as the second most-visited event hall on the planet during 2007-2008, trailing only New York’s Madison Square Garden.
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Sportpaleis FAQs
Is Sportpaleis still called Sportpaleis?
No. After 92 years under its original name, the venue was renamed AFAS Dome on September 1, 2025, as part of a long-term naming partnership with Dutch software company AFAS.
Where is Sportpaleis located?
It is located in Merksem, a district of Antwerp, Belgium.
How many people can Sportpaleis (AFAS Dome) hold?
The arena can hold up to 23,001 people including standing room, though capacity is typically capped around 18,575 for seated sporting events.
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Photo: Andries Schotte / CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.