The Ziggo Dome, formerly known as the Amsterdam Arena, is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is the largest indoor venue in the Netherlands, with a capacity of 17,000 people. The arena is owned by the municipality of Amsterdam and operated by the Ziggo Dome company.
The Ziggo Dome opened in 1996 and was initially known as the Amsterdam Arena. It was designed by architect Jan Benthem and was initially intended to be the home ground of the Dutch national football team. However, the national team decided to continue playing at the Amsterdam ArenA. The arena then became a venue for concerts, sporting events, and other large-scale events.
The arena has hosted a wide range of events, including concerts by major artists such as U2, Madonna, Beyoncé, and Coldplay. It has also hosted sporting events such as boxing matches, basketball games, and volleyball tournaments. In 2004, the Eurovision Song Contest was held at the arena, marking the second time the Netherlands hosted the event.
In 2010, the arena was renamed the Ziggo Dome after the Dutch cable and internet provider Ziggo became the main sponsor. The arena underwent a major renovation in 2011, which included the addition of new seating, a new sound system, and a new lighting system.
The Ziggo Dome is a popular destination for both Dutch and international visitors. It is a major venue for large-scale events and contributes significantly to the economy of Amsterdam.