Arena "Husejin Smajlović" (before: Arena Zenica) is a multifunctional indoor sports venue located in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Zenica Arena
Map
Full nameCity Arena "Husejin Smajlović"
before May 25, 2017: City Arena Zenica
LocationZenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Coordinates44°12′08″N 17°54′49″E / 44.20222°N 17.91361°E / 44.20222; 17.91361
OwnerCity of Zenica
OperatorJP "Za upravljanje i održavanje sportskih objekata" Zenica
Capacity6,200 (10,000 for concerts)
Surfaceversatile
Construction
Broke groundFebruary 2007
Built2009
OpenedMarch 20, 2009
Construction cost16 million
Tenants
Bosnia and Herzegovina basketball team
Bosnia and Herzegovina handball team
Bosnia and Herzegovina Davis Cup team
Website
arenazenica.com

History

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Construction

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The construction began in February 2007 and was completed on March 20, 2009. Total construction costs are estimated to be around 32 million convertible marks (16 million) provided from the Zenica municipality budget.

Name change

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In May 2017, local authorities outvoted to rename the arena from "City Arena Zenica" to the "City Arena Arena Husejin Smajlović", eponymous after former longtime (2004–2016) Mayor Husejin Smajlović [Wikidata].[1] The decision made was controversial for a number of reasons, the most significant being the object is of secular purpose (including musical manifestations, alcohol, etc.) and Smajlovic was[2] Muslim;[1] new name has not got established yet, musicians continue to state that they perform at the Arena Zenica for managerial reasons of name simplicity and neutrality, and it is still mentioned by most citizens in free speech as the Zenica Arena (or Arena only).

Capacity

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The total seating capacity of Arena Zenica is 6,200 for basketball or handball matches, and it can be increased up to 10,000 for concert events.[3]

Tenants

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Arena is the new homeground for Bosnia and Herzegovina basketball and handball national teams.

Activities

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Notable concerts

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2013 Men's Junior World Handball Championship

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Arena Zenica has been the host to teams in Group D playing at the 2013 Men's Junior World Handball Championship, which was held in Bosnia and Herzegovina from July 14 to July 28, 2013.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b klix.ba
  2. ^ islamskazajednica.ba
  3. ^ "Arena Zenica - venue Information". RealGM. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
  4. ^ "Draw for Men's Junior World Championship to be held on 18 April". ihf.info. 2013-04-08. Archived from the original on 2013-12-14.
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