“Can you believe it Bucharest had to wait 70 years for a new ice rink?” That’s precisely what makes Berceni Arena so special. Inaugurated in August 2024 Berceni Arena marked a turning point. It signaled a rebirth for ice sports in Bucharest.
Berceni Arena cost around 10 million euros. This arena stands as a testament to the community’s dedication. Sector 4 gifted this architectural jewel to the city. It quickly became a point of pride for Bucharest.
The grand opening of Berceni Arena was a spectacle. It was a European-level show. Young figure skaters graced the ice. They demonstrated their skills. The crowd was captivated. Then came the ice hockey teams CSM Corona Brașov and ACSH Gheorgheni. They battled in the Romanian Supercup’s first edition. Gheorgheni won 4-3 after overtime. This historic game was the first official ice hockey match in Bucharest in over 12 years.
Over 800 spectators attended the event. Many important figures were present. Ion Țiriac Simona Halep and Elisabeta Lipă were among them. Legendary hockey players like Eduard Pană also attended.
Daniel Băluță the mayor expressed his emotions. He recognized the arena’s importance. He hoped it would inspire new champions. The arena is managed by an economic entity. Together with the Hockey Federation and the National Sports Agency they offer free programs. These programs are for children in Bucharest and beyond.
Ion Țiriac praised the mayor for his achievement. He emphasized the arena’s value to the youth. Simona Halep also shared her excitement. She acknowledged the positive impact on sports. Elisabeta Lipă highlighted the importance of infrastructure. She stressed the need for sports facilities for young people.
Eduard Pană was moved by the arena’s opening. He thanked Mayor Băluță. He also acknowledged Țiriac’s contribution to ice sports. Attila Nagy the President of the Romanian Ice Hockey Federation also spoke. He emphasized the arena’s crucial role in developing Romanian hockey.
Berceni Arena is more than just an ice rink. It has two levels. The arena covers 6500 square meters. The ice surface itself is over 1700 square meters. There are also 3000 square meters of green spaces.
Inside Berceni Arena you will find refreshment areas on both floors. Wardrobes offices locker rooms and ice facilities are available. There are also methodical rooms VIP boxes and press boxes.
A unique feature is the temperature difference. It is around 5-6 degrees Celsius on the ice. Spectators in the stands enjoy a milder 15 degrees. Modern climate control maintains these conditions.
However Berceni Arena faced a setback in late December 2024. Power issues caused damage to the cooling system. This led to a temporary closure. Hockey team Steaua had to relocate their games.
In February 2025 Berceni Arena hosted the Bellu Memorial competition. This international figure skating event marked a return to Bucharest after 15 years. Approximately 350 skaters from 22 countries participated. The event showcased a range of talent. It included European medalists and rising stars. A recreational skating competition was also held. It welcomed participants of all ages and skill levels. A demonstration gala featured medalists. Special guests Jean Gavril and Ana Maria Ion were there.