Antwerp's Sportpaleis arena will now be called the 'AFAS Dome Antwerpen'. The new name was revealed during a press conference on Wednesday.
The search for a new name for the multifunctional concert hall began last autumn, following the announcement of a long-term partnership with the Dutch software company AFAS.
Members of the general public were invited to share name suggestions online at the end of 2024. "Because this venue is such an important part of our culture, we want to involve all of Belgium and beyond in choosing the new name," said CEO of AFAS Software Belgium, Machiel den Dekker.
Helicopter picture shows the Antwerp entertainment hall Sportpaleis. Credit: Belga/Dirk Waem
The choice of the new name was based on thousands of suggestions. AFAS Arena had been considered, but the name had to be original and "pay tribute to the grandeur of the building," explained den Dekker. The 'Dome' option was finally chosen.
This is the first time since 1933 that this almost century-old venue has changed its name. The funding from this new partner will be used to modernise the venue, explained the operator be.at, formerly the Sportpaleis Group.
"This choice was necessary," said the group's director, Jan Van Esbroeck. "We are one of the cities that will host Lady Gaga's next tour, but competition is intensifying with other ultra-modern venues in Europe. Spectators no longer just come to attend a concert, they want to have an experience. We have to be able to offer them that."
The Dutch company AFAS already lends its name to the football stadium of KV Mechelen, a club that plays in the Jupiler Pro League.
