Intrigued by a venue where metal prices once threatened its very existence? You are standing before the JOYNEXT Arena. This multipurpose hall in Dresden is more than just a building. It’s a testament to resilience and community spirit.
The JOYNEXT Arena primarily serves as a venue for ice sports and ball sports. It is the home of the Dresdner Eislöwen from the DEL2. The current namesake is Joynext. This automotive supplier is based in Dresden.
Originally built in 1969, the old ice sports hall suffered severe damage during the Elbe flood in 2002. It also obstructed water flow. Dresden decided to construct a new building outside the flood zone using flood relief funds. Additional sports funding from Saxony and Dresden’s own resources helped. From May 2005 to August 2007 the arena was rebuilt. A training ice hall and a three-field ball sports hall were also added.
Construction costs totaled around 29.7 million euros. The original design estimated only 23.7 million euros. Rising metal prices and increased safety requirements made it more expensive. For the first three years, the Freiberger Brauhaus was the name sponsor. It was then known as the Freiberger Arena.
In February 2012, the ice hall suffered damage. Cracks in the roof allowed water to seep through. This damaged insulation and the roof structure. Water dripped into the ice hall. The hall had limited usability for several weeks. The roof needed immediate repairs. Poor construction was identified as the cause. The construction company had already declared insolvency. Dresden had to cover the repair costs.
Between December 2010 and January 2022, the hall was named EnergieVerbund Arena. In 2022, it became the JOYNEXT Arena. The local automotive supplier Joynext acquired the naming rights for three years.
The JOYNEXT Arena complex includes the main arena, a training ice hall, and a three-field ball sports hall. An outdoor speed skating rink is also part of it. The arena can accommodate 4,412 spectators for ice hockey games. This includes 3,099 seats.
The first game in the new ice hall was on August 15, 2007. Eisbären Berlin played HC Energie Karlovy Vary. The game ended in a 3:3 draw. Florian Busch scored the first goal. The official opening was from August 31 to September 2, 2007.
The Dresdner Eislöwen attracted over 100,000 visitors to their 35 home games in the 2007/08 season. The ice arena has a capacity of 4,412 spectators for hockey games. Almost 50 clubs use the arena for training and competitions. This includes the federal short track base.
During the ice skating season, the JOYNEXT Arena offers public skating. A tunnel connects the training ice hall to the outdoor speed skating rink.
Inside, you can find ten kiosks and the “Auszeit” restaurant with a sports bar. The restaurant offers bowling, table soccer, and club rooms.
The JOYNEXT Arena has hosted many events. These include the DEL All-Star Game in 2008. It was the first time the game was held outside a DEL location.
So, as you leave the JOYNEXT Arena, remember its story. It is a story of overcoming adversity, embracing community, and celebrating sports. It’s a place where memories are made.