Guangzhou International Sports Arena

Guangzhou International Sports Arena

Situated in Luogang District, the Guangzhou International Sports Arena was newly constructed for the basketball competitions of the Guangzhou Asian Games. Covering a total floor area of 120,000 square meters, the arena houses 17,773 seats, 60 deluxe VIP boxes, and 1,270 VIP parking spots. Its massive scale makes it an exceptional global-level sports and entertainment venue, comparable to the Toyota Center, home of the Houston Rockets in the NBA. The surrounding area features a variety of multifunctional commercial and entertainment facilities including retail stores, entertainment centers, hotels, and concert halls, making it a large-scale comprehensive venue that integrates sports and performing arts events.

The Guangzhou International Sports Arena served as the main venue for basketball competitions during the 16th Asian Games. It is also one of the few basketball arenas in South China built to NBA standards, and among the best in Asia capable of hosting large-scale indoor concerts. It has successfully hosted major events such as the 2010 NBA China Game, the 16th Asian Games basketball competition, Jacky Cheung’s “1/2 Century” World Tour, Faye Wong’s 2011 Concert Tour, Jiang Dawei’s concert, Hunan TV’s 2011 New Year’s Eve Concert, and the 2011 New Year Rock Concert. In 2014–2015, Hunan TV once again chose this venue for its New Year’s Eve Concert, along with Jolin Tsai’s 2015 tour. The Guangzhou International Sports Arena has now become a new landmark for sports and entertainment in South China.

The exterior of the Guangdong International Performing Arts Center closely resembles Beijing’s “Bird’s Nest” stadium. The biggest difference is that the Bird’s Nest is an open-air venue, while the Guangdong International Performing Arts Center is enclosed. Built with authentic NBA culture in mind, every aspect of the construction adheres to the highest international standards. On the restaurant located on the third floor of the venue, visitors can dine while watching the games happening in the center — isn’t that quite an interesting concept?

In addition to being the primary venue for basketball matches, the Guangdong International Sports Arena also hosts performances in the entertainment industry. Singers such as Jacky Cheung, Faye Wong, Jolin Tsai, Jonathan Lee, Yoga Lin, Hacken Lee, Jay Chou, and Westlife have all held their solo concerts here. In addition, Hunan TV’s New Year’s Eve Concert, Lang Lang’s piano recital, and the 2012 Guangdong Pop Music Festival have also taken place at this venue.

Within Guangzhou city, you can take bus lines 508 Express, B24, 575, 944, 948, K01, or K02 to the North Gate Station of the Performing Arts Center, or take bus lines 534, 506, 506A, 575, 943, 946, or 948 to the North-South Gate Station of the Performing Arts Center.