The MEO Arena in Rossio dos Olivais, Lisbon, was designed by Regino Cruz with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. It was built from 1996 to 1998 for Expo '98 as the Pavilhão Atlântico, at a cost of 55 million euros. It was sold to Arena Atlântico in July 2012, and Live Nation now owns and operates it. The article names no style.
The building resembles a flying saucer or a sea turtle shell. Its roof rests on a wood grid shaped like a carrack, chosen over concrete or steel to fit the Expo theme. The main floor sits 6.4 meters below ground, and the south glass facade has overhanging panels that block summer sun.
Capacity is about 20,000 for concerts. It hosted the 2005 MTV Europe Music Awards and the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest.
Comments