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Arena Market: Portugal

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The main stop for artists at arena level in Portugal is the 20,000-capacity Altice Arena in Lisbon, which recently saw performances by Roger Waters, Robbie Williams, Hans Zimmer, and Michael Bublé, with Madonna and Rod Stewart in the calendar.

“I believe we already recovered to levels prior to pandemic, and the industry is thriving again,” says CEO Jorge Vinha da Silva, who is also vice president of the European Arenas Association.

“I believe we already recovered to levels prior to pandemic, and the industry is thriving again”

“For us, 2022 was the best year ever, so looking forward to our pipeline, we expect to keep in line with the performances of 2019 and 2022. We also have an important part of the business related to major international conferences and corporate events, and that’s also coming back to levels similar to 2019, although the decisions are taken on a more last-minute basis.I would say overall the market became more cautious.”

Innovation is a vital part of keeping an arena attractive to both artists and audiences, and Da Silva says the Altice team strives to stay ahead of trends. “We are improving our premium services packages and offers, as well as making improvements to the building related to premium areas, common areas, and dressing rooms. New buildings and refurbishment projects [at other venues] are emerging more than ever, and we have to stay up-to-date.”

“We are improving our premium services packages and offers, as well as making improvements to the building related to premium areas, common areas, and dressing rooms. New buildings and refurbishment projects [at other venues] are emerging more than ever, and we have to stay up-to-date.”

Ensuring the sustainability of the venue is another focus for the Altice Arena, so along with the upgrades to the facilities, the venue is investing in measures such as a more energy efficient LED lighting system. It has plans to install solar panels this summer, with the aim of producing its own energy.

Tourism is a key element for Portugal’s economy (it was worth €22bn in 2022 – up 20% on 2019 figures, according to minister of economy António Costa Silva), which presents an opportunity for arenas, which can draw some of their audience from other countries as people are attracted by the reliable warm weather and taking in shows as part of their trip.

Outside of the capital, Porto’s 4,000-capacity Coliseu Porto Ageas will welcome Bob Dylan, Daniel Sloss, and Portuguese magician Luís de Matos this year. It has ten single dressing rooms, three group dressing rooms, a backstage catering area that fits 30 people, and direct-to-stage loading/unloading.

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