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.

A stadium of superlatives

The world’s fastest-built stadium of its size, completed thanks to meticulous planning and intensive teamwork. The roof structure alone was assembled in just four and a half months.

Europe’s most technologically advanced stadium, equipped with 21st-century innovations that create an exceptional experience for both spectators and television audiences.

At the time of construction, the Groupama Aréna was Budapest’s largest building project and Hungary’s biggest completed public facility, also regarded as the country’s leading job-creating investment, involving three thousand Hungarian professionals and over three million work hours.

The project features Hungary’s largest steel structure, manufactured by a Hungarian company in Kecskemét. The structure’s total steel weight is three times that of the Chain Bridge, meaning the material could build three such bridges.

The project features Hungary’s largest steel structure, manufactured by a Hungarian company in Kecskemét. The structure’s total steel weight is three times that of the Chain Bridge, meaning the material could build three such bridges.

Adjacent to the stadium stands Europe’s largest bird sculpture, weighing 18 tonnes and composed of 5,000 unique metal prisms, creating a striking and memorable landmark.

Architectural and construction highlights

The Groupama Aréna is Hungary’s first sports venue where the pitch was grown from seed rather than laid as turf, ensuring outstanding quality for players.

Lighting is provided by 224 metal halide lamps, each rated at 2,000 watts, arranged in two rows to guarantee optimal illumination for every event.

The stadium accommodates 22,000 spectators for international fixtures and 23,700 for domestic league matches. Away fans are allocated 1,350 seats for international and 2,200 for national matches.

Across two levels, the arena offers 34 Sky Boxes, along with 1,240 VIP GOLD and 994 VIP BRONZE seats, providing exclusive comfort and exceptional sightlines.

The Fradi Sport Pub and Restaurant, located within the complex, offers 80 comfortable seats for guests, while the Fradi Museum presents the rich history and proud traditions of Ferencváros in an engaging and interactive way.

Two scoreboards, each with a floor space of 63 square metres ensure continuous, high-visibility coverage of matches and events for all spectators.