Arena Zenica


Arena "Husejin Smajlović" is a multifunctional indoor sports venue located in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

History

Construction

The construction began in February 2007 and was completed on March 20, 2009. Total construction costs are estimated to be around 32 million convertible marks provided from the Zenica municipality budget.

Name change

In May 2017, local authorities outvoted to rename the arena from "City Arena Zenica" to the "City Arena Arena Husejin Smajlović", eponymous after former longtime Mayor. The decision made was controversial for a number of reasons, the most significant being the object is of secular purpose and Smajlovic was Muslim; new name has not got established yet, musicians continue to state that they perform at the Arena Zenica for managerial reasons of name simplicity and neutrality, and it is still mentioned by most citizens in free speech as the Zenica Arena.

Capacity

The total seating capacity of Arena Zenica is 6,200 for basketball or handball matches, and it can be increased up to 10,000 for concert events.

Tenants

Arena is the new homeground for Bosnia and Herzegovina basketball and handball national teams.

Activities

Notable concerts

Arena Zenica has been the host to teams in Group D playing at the 2013 Men's Junior World Handball Championship, which was held in Bosnia and Herzegovina from July 14 to July 28, 2013.