Groupama Aréna
Location
Budapest, District IX
Total floor area
28 746,5 m²
Field size
120 × 84 m
Highest point
21,41 m
Number of sky boxes
34, on two levels
Number of parking spaces
480
Opening
10 August 2014
Category
Sports facilities
The Groupama Aréna, home to the Ferencvárosi Torna Club, stands as one of Hungary’s most advanced and internationally renowned multifunctional sports facilities. Constructed by Market Építő Zrt., the stadium achieved a GOOD rating in the BREEAM International Bespoke 2010 environmental certification scheme, thanks to its energy-efficient and sustainable solutions.
During the design and construction, special emphasis was placed on modern technology and user experience. An intelligent building management system, LED decorative lighting, heat recovery ventilation, water-saving installations, and rainwater harvesting make the facility both energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable. Thanks to its excellent transport connections, the stadium not only hosts major sporting events but also serves as a versatile venue for conferences, concerts, and other large-scale events.
Architecturally, the arena’s defining feature is the so-called “onion structure”, expressed through its interlocking structural layers. The roof construction posed a unique engineering challenge: rather than a traditional framework, the design utilised the load-bearing capacity of the beams beneath the stands. One of the most complex structural tasks was the connection of 18 bolted main pillars to the stand beams, completed within the remarkably short timeframe of four and a half months – an achievement made possible by exceptional teamwork and coordination.
Throughout the project, reducing environmental impact was a top priority. A waste management plan was implemented, enabling the recycling or reuse of more than 75% of construction waste. Many materials from the demolition of the legendary Albert Flórián Stadium were reused in the new facility – for example, 100% recycled concrete was employed in the base layers of external paving and for around a quarter of all floor slabs.
The result is a true project of pride – more than just a stadium. With its internal broadcasting systems, 200 LCD screens, innovative lighting solutions, integrated Wi-Fi network, and a range of cutting-edge technical features, the Groupama Aréna ranks among Europe’s most sophisticated multifunctional sports facilities.
At the time of construction, it was one of Hungary’s largest-scale developments, providing employment for over three thousand people and encompassing three million work hours. Thanks to its advanced technology, distinctive architectural character, and multifunctional concept, the arena remains at the forefront of international stadium design.