ARENA5: Stageco Builds A Summer Venue

5 GOES LIVE

STAGEC O BELGIUM

Stageco Belgium builds a new summer venue

Arena5 is the name given to a stunning open-air arena that has given the Belgian public and tourists alike a chance to once again immerse themselves in summer-long live entertainment.

With breathtaking views of the iconic Atomium, Arena5 is situated at the Place de Belgique, among the stately exhibition halls of Brussels Expo. After a long wait of almost 18 months, 50,000 music fans were able to satisfy their appetite with a diverse range of acts, from July 22nd until September 12th.

Stageco Belgium was honoured to be handed the opportunity to construct the temporary open-air venue, adhering to the strictest COVID-19 regulations. This meant providing the means for 2,500 people to attend at a distance of 1.5m between each other, as well as seating 5,000 attendees normally.

Standing in front of Hall 5 of the Brussels Expo with the Atomium to its rear, the 2,500m² arena was built in scaffolding and decks, covering the area taken up by the resident pond. Stageco’s responsibilities included not only the construction of its (new) 25 x 10 stage – with its loading dock, ramps, storage and front of house riser – but also stairs at each side, 600m² VIP decks, and two public entrance structures. Liaising with production manager Bart De Coensel, Stageco’s Wim Maes and Lies Rombouts led the project from Tildonk, appointing Stefaan Vandenbosch and Bart Dewolf crew chiefs for the building operation that used a pair of cranes (160 and 60 tons), four forklifts, two electric pallet shifters, four regular pallet shifters, and a cherry picker.

With the Atomium reigning supreme as arguably the biggest star of the summer series, the stage décor was altered from show to show for each artist – there were moments of intimacy with Caetano Veloso, Asaf Avidan, Ibrahim Maalouf and Hooverphonic, and uninhibited dancing with big names such as Loïc Nottet, SCH, Amelie Lens, Charlotte De Witte, Tale Of Us, Peggy Gou and 2manydjs and much more.

Brussels Expo, promoter Greenhouse Talent and organiser Festival Les Ardentes looked back on the experience of this successful opening season experience, and all agreed that this new event location at the Heysel Plateau is a major cultural hit. This coming season will feature headliners Nile Rodgers & Chic, Herbie Hancock and Dutronc & Dutronc among the line-up. Tickets are now on sale.