The Venetian Arena

Macau, China
Opened in 2024
Architecture, Interior Design
The Venetian Arena in Macao has undergone a significant upgrade, transforming it into a state-of-the-art, multipurpose venue designed to host a wide array of events.

Context

From large-scale live entertainment and superstar concerts to world-class sports events, live broadcasts, creative MICE events, and e-sports tournaments, The Venetian Arena is now better equipped than ever to meet the demands of diverse audiences.

First opened in 2007 as the Cotai Arena, the venue has been rebranded and upgraded as The Venetian Arena to maintain its position as one of Macao’s premier event spaces. The renovation project was part of the Macao SAR Government’s broader efforts to diversify its economy, integrating tourism with conventions, sports, and culture. By enhancing the venue’s infrastructure and services, Macao aims to attract more high-profile international events, contributing to the region’s growth as a global entertainment and tourism hub. 

We focused on ensuring that the Venetian Arena could be adaptable to accommodate many different types of events. It’s a real multi-purpose venue

Ross Summergreene

Principal | Architectural Project Designer

Approach

The renovation of The Venetian Arena has introduced several key upgrades to elevate the guest and performer experience. Among the notable improvements are the installation of luxurious VIP amenities, flexible seating configurations, improved acoustics, and superior lighting systems. With new LED screens and enhanced rigging capacity, the venue can now accommodate more technically sophisticated performances and events. 

The versatile design of the arena features: 

→ A retractable seating system with the ability to configure seating for up to 14,000 guests, including 360-degree seating options. 

→ 15 VIP suites on the main concourse, complete with food and beverage facilities and private bathrooms. 

→ 7 VIP Bunker suites and 10 Sky Box suites, all offering premium seating with exclusive F&B facilities. 

→ A VIP Lounge capable of hosting up to 450 people, complete with a meet-and-greet room, cloakroom, and private bathrooms. 

Additionally, the arena’s performer and athlete areas have been designed with five-star dressing rooms, sports locker rooms, and dedicated catering facilities to ensure world-class hospitality. 

Impact

The upgraded Venetian Arena is poised to make a significant impact on Macao’s status as a leading destination for international events. Its enhanced infrastructure offers a more flexible, technically advanced space that will attract a wider variety of events, from major sporting tournaments to high-profile concerts and corporate meetings. 

The renovation not only provides an upgraded experience for event organisers, but it also supports the broader integration of tourism with sports and cultural industries. The new Venetian Arena complements The Londoner Arena, which opened in 2023 and can accommodate 6,000 guests, further solidifying Macao’s position as a key player in the global entertainment and events industry. 

Disciplines

  • Architecture

    Architecture

    The Venetian Arena’s architecture combines functionality with modern design, featuring a versatile retractable seating system and spacious layout. Its adaptable structure allows for a variety of event configurations, while enhancing the arena’s overall aesthetic appeal.

  • Interior Design

    Interior Design

    The interior design focuses on luxury, with VIP suites, premium seating, and superior acoustics. Thoughtfully crafted spaces, including five-star dressing rooms and a VIP lounge, ensure a sophisticated and comfortable experience for both guests and performers.

20 items.
  • Brett Wightman Senior Principal | Director - APAC Singapore
  • Andrew Tulen Senior Principal, Architectural Designer Singapore
  • Ross Summergreene Principal, Architectural Project Designer Singapore
  • Henry Turner Senior Associate, Project Manager Tokyo
  • Moddy Bujitta Principal, Senior Interior Designer Bangkok
  • Edward Ratonel Associate, Architectural Designer Singapore
  • Paul Foskett Principal, Head of Interior Design - APAC Sydney
  • Lize Laurent Senior Associate, Senior Interior Designer Brisbane
  • Ismael Merchan Senior Associate, Project Architect Hong Kong
  • Tina Sittirerk Interior Designer Bangkok
  • Thongtai Zheng Junior Interior Designer Bangkok
  • Natcha Bunnag Associate, Interior Designer Melbourne
  • Nattamon Intha Interior Designer Bangkok
  • Sanna Suontaka Associate Principal, Interior Designer Sydney
  • Irina Akhmanova Associate Principal, Senior Architectural Designer Singapore
  • Divya Rajalingam Office Administrator & Document Controller Singapore
  • Dinesh Sraveanan Associate, Interior Designer Brisbane
  • Daniel Joseph Senior Associate, BIM Coordinator Brisbane
  • Zhaoxuan Wang Architectural Intern
  • Karen Halagao Architectural Graduate Sydney

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