Juan Roig: The Visionary Behind Valencia’s New Pavilion
Juan Roig, a prominent figure in Spain’s retail landscape, is better known as the owner of Mercadona, the country’s most successful supermarket chain. A titan of industry, he has also established himself as a key patron of various cultural and sports initiatives, notably sponsoring the prestigious Valencia Marathon. Roig’s entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t stop there; he leads a startup accelerator and owns a basketball team. Now, he has set his sights on another ambitious project: the construction of a state-of-the-art pavilion that bears his name. This facility will serve as the new home for Valencia Basket and also host concerts and shows, revolutionizing the city’s entertainment landscape.
The Eye: A Welcome Like No Other
As you approach the new pavilion, the first thing that captures your attention is “The Eye.” This eye-catching screen greets visitors with a visual spectacle, standing 10 meters tall and 48 meters wide. Installed by LG, this massive panel is designed to shield against the elements while delivering stunning visuals, even during peak sunlight. Though we could not witness the screen fully operational due to ongoing installation, it promises to serve as a dynamic showcase for announcing upcoming events and games—setting the tone for visitors as they enter.
Inside and Out: Screens Galore
The interior of the pavilion is equally impressive, featuring a videomarker that is touted as the crown jewel of the facility. Spanning 250 square meters, this videomarker boasts the highest resolution in Europe, according to LG. Situated in the center of the pavilion, it is composed of four seamlessly connected screens with rounded edges, creating an uninterrupted visual experience that surrounds attendees. In addition to the central videomarker, the inner section hosts two screens that will display critical information during basketball matches—a necessity for engaging fans during gameplay.
The sheer number of screens in the pavilion is staggering. Inside, a “Ribbon LED” strips the arena, distinguishing the upper and lower seating sections. This band not only enhances aesthetics but also serves practical purposes. The interior also features Europe’s largest videowall, measuring an astounding 500 square meters. We were fortunate enough to witness both the videowall and Ribbon LED in action, and were blown away by their sharpness and brightness.
Two Capacities: Flexibility Redefined
One of the standout features of the Roig Arena is its variable capacity, able to accommodate up to 15,600 spectators for basketball games and an impressive 20,000 for concerts. This is achieved through a retractable bleachers system that allows for flexible seating arrangements. When configured for basketball, additional seating is deployed to extend to the edge of the court, while in concert mode, these seats can be concealed to maximize space.
An Investment in Culture and Community
Planning for the new pavilion has been a long time coming. Juan Roig has envisioned this project for several years, finally confirming the construction of this ambitious facility that will serve as the new home for Valencia Basket. Inspired by the Berlin Arena, Roig took a personal trip to Berlin in 2018 to study the concept. Construction commenced in 2020, with an impressive investment expected to exceed 300 million euros. Fans can mark their calendars for the grand inauguration, set for September 6.
More Than Just Basketball
While the new pavilion will primarily serve as the official home of Valencia Basket—taking over from the aging La Fonteta Pavilion—it is designed with versatility in mind. Roig Arena doubles as a premier venue for concerts and shows. Despite not yet opening, a slew of concerts has already been booked for the upcoming year, many of which are expected to sell out quickly, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in Valencia.
In conclusion, Juan Roig continues to redefine the landscape of Valencia through innovative projects that blend sports, entertainment, and community engagement. The Roig Arena stands as a testament to his vision—a space not just for basketball, but for a myriad of cultural experiences. With its cutting-edge technology and flexible capacity, the pavilion promises to become an essential gathering place for residents and visitors alike, further cementing Valencia’s status as a vibrant cultural destination.