Arena Primavera anchors urban plan for new entertainment district in Sabaneta

Sabaneta is looking forward to exciting developments with the upcoming construction of the Arena Primavera event and show complex. This project, situated next to the Mayorca shopping center, marks the spearhead of a broader urban transformation initiative. The current industrial warehouse-dominated area will be revitalized into an entertainment district spanning 14 hectares. This transformation will encompass housing for middle and upper strata, health and technology services, all complemented by ample public spaces and greenery.

The Arena is expected to drive vibrant activity in the form of restaurants and accommodations. Mayor Santiago Montoya reveals that a five-star hotel has already expressed interest. The ambitious plan involves shifting Sabaneta's identity from a "dormitory city" to an entertainment hub, necessitating a change in residents' mindset and educational programs to prepare professionals for the entertainment and services sector.

Montoya emphasizes the cultural sector's role in comprehensive municipal development, citing the Arena Primavera as a key component. The estimated economic impact of the arena is substantial, contributing approximately 300,000 million pesos annually to the gross domestic product. Ticket taxes are expected to generate 10,000 to 15,000 million pesos for cultural promotion in the municipality.

Montoya envisions that future administrations can utilize these funds to support national and international tours to promote local artists. The project's focal point is the Arena Primavera, with plans to lay the first stone in the first half of 2024 and complete construction by 2026, assuming adherence to the schedule.

The estimated investment of 200,000 million pesos comes from the CLK business group, consisting of five companies: Tuboleta, Movistar Arena, TBL Live, Venues Snacks, and Thunder Production. CLK is confident in Antioquia's potential as a cultural reference, aiming to position the department as a world leader in the arena circuit.

Strategic partnerships with Proantioquia, Comfama, and government ministries are in place to enhance social projection and provide cultural and educational expertise. Discussions are underway for a potential sponsor to give the complex its name.

The project involves a unique business scheme, akin to Public-Private Partnerships, where individuals fund and build the arena, exploiting it for three decades before returning it to the landowners (Special Assets Society) without compensation. The Arena Primavera, with a capacity for 16,000 people, is expected to host an average of 75 shows per year, creating nearly 1,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Designed by HOK, the arena promises to be the most modern in Latin America, with versatile applications such as hosting tennis matches, concerts, congresses, fairs, and family events. The environmentally conscious design aims for carbon neutrality by maximizing natural wind and light usage.

The 55,000-square-meter Arena Primavera will showcase the region's architectural aesthetics with a reddish hue reminiscent of the Aburrá Valley's buildings, guayacanes' vibrant colors, and the silletera tradition. A pedestrian ring with saddle-shaped panels and a rooftop terrace with 14 restaurants will complement the structure. With only 450 parking spaces, the focus is on encouraging public transportation use, and plans for a pedestrian bridge to improve access to the Metro are underway, aiming to reduce travel time from eight to three minutes.