A brand new Arena for EuroBasket 2011

Among the objectives set in Klaipėda City Strategic Development Plan 2007-2013, there was the modernization of sports infrastructure by constructing a new modern, universal, multi-functional sports and entertainment complex. The long awaited day will come on 28 July this summer, when the new complex SVYTURIO ARENA ("Lighthouse Arena") in Klaipėda will open its door. Its capacity depending on the type of an event is from 1800 to 7450 seats. The architectural design of the Arena building is sea-related -it resembles a catamaran. The project cost 20 mln. EER, ha lf of the expenditure covered from the EU Structural Funds.

Opening of the new Arena, Klaipėda becomes the main leisure attraction centre in the Western Lithuania. During the first year, more than 60 events will be held there. Half of them will be shows of foreign performers and groups, more than a third - sports events, and the remaining part will be the concerts of local performers and events organized by the city. The premier performance is the concert of the legendary British group "Smokies".

The most moving event in the Arena are the play-offs of the European Basketball Championship 2011 - EuroBasket 2011, held on 31 August - 5 September in Lithuania this year. That will be the 37th Continental Championship held by FIBA Europe, and the second time hosted by Lithuania. That will also be the largest Basketball Championship ever, attracting 24 selected European teams. Group D - Belgium, Bulgaria, Georgia, Russia, Slovenia and the Ukraine will compete in Klaipėda. The city is getting ready to provide high standard services to the sportsmen, international media, and dozens of thousands of basketball fans.