Wonder how many hands have applauded within these walls. This is the MVM Dome. It is more than just a building. It is Europe’s largest handball arena. The MVM Dome is named after MVM Group. Formally, it was known as Budapest Multifunctional Arena.
Imagine the roar of twenty thousand fans. The MVM Dome is a place where sporting dreams come alive. But it is not just about sports. The MVM Dome hosts concerts, conferences, exhibitions, and trade shows. It is a vital part of Budapest’s entertainment scene.
The story of the MVM Dome began in June 2018. Hungary and Slovakia won the right to host the 2022 European Men’s Handball Championship. Initially, László Papp Budapest Sports Arena was the chosen venue. However, the idea of a new, bigger arena emerged. The MVM Dome’s location was once a barracks. The project was officially proposed in April 2019.
Construction began in November 2019. By June 2020, the staircases were taking shape. The grandstand structure followed soon after. October 2020 saw the start of roof construction. Ticket sales for the 2022 European Handball Championship began in January 2021. The outer covering of the arena was also installed then. The inauguration took place in 2021. It featured a Punnany Massif concert. A gala match between Hungarian teams was also played.
On January 4, 2022, the arena was officially named MVM Dome. This was thanks to a partnership between MVM Zrt. and BMSK Zrt. Ferencváros TC became the trustee of the arena on February 15, 2022. Sportfive Hungary Kft. has been operating the arena since February 2022. They will continue to do so for ten years.
The MVM Dome’s facade is truly unique. It draws inspiration from Michelangelo’s anatomical drawings. The design evokes images of skeletal muscles. At night, dynamic lighting enhances this striking look. Vibrant lines of light swirl across the facade. They divide the building’s surface into geometric shapes. Steel cladding in two shades of grey plays a key role in the building’s visual appearance.
Inside, the MVM Dome is just as impressive. It covers 49,700 square meters. The MVM Dome has a capacity of 20,000. Architect György Skardelli designed this multifunctional arena. It features advanced sound, image, and lighting systems. The spectator stands are reconfigurable. This allows the MVM Dome to host various events. These include handball, basketball, tennis, figure skating, ice hockey, motorsports and swimming.
Water-saving fittings from SCHELL are installed in the arena. 214 self-closing wash basin taps are used in the sanitary facilities. These taps help save water. They also improve hygiene. The taps close automatically after use. This reduces water consumption. It also minimizes the spread of germs.
The MVM Dome boasts some impressive features. It has 49 VIP boxes. There are 14 lifts and 8 escalators. A video cube weighing 12 tonnes hangs from the roof. Its screen area measures 216 square meters. The MVM Dome hosted the 2022 European Men’s Handball Championship. It will also host the 2024 European Women’s Handball Championship. The 2027 World Women’s Handball Championship will also be held here.
The MVM Dome is not just a sports venue. It is a symbol of Budapest’s modernity and ambition. Its innovative design and advanced facilities make it a landmark. It will continue to host world-class events for years to come.