Antwerp (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): In 2033, Antwerp’s Sportpaleis will celebrate its 100th anniversary with significant changes, including a new entrance and a park. The venue will also be renamed, sponsored by AFAS, investing €45 million. CEO Jan Van Esbroeck emphasizes modernization while honoring its history.
In 2033, the Antwerp Sportpaleis will celebrate its 100th anniversary, and changes are coming. One change is moving the main entrance from the front to the back of the building. This is part of the Oosterweel project, which aims to improve traffic in Antwerp. The new entrance will help create a more modern experience for visitors and connect better with the surrounding area.
How will the Sportpaleis transform with AFAS sponsorship by 2025?
The area behind the Sportpaleis will be turned into a new park, creating a greener and more welcoming space for locals and visitors. This park is part of the Oosterweel project, which aims to improve the city by adding green areas and making it easier to get around. These changes will help modernize the famous venue and support Antwerp’s efforts to build a more sustainable and connected city while celebrating Sportpaleis’ history.
It has been said that the big news is that the Sportpaleis will change its name starting in 2025, marking the first time since 1933. The Dutch software company AFAS will be the naming sponsor, meaning their name will be part of the new title. AFAS is sponsoring the football club KV Mechelen, which will need to find a new sponsor next season. CEO Jan Van Esbrock stated they will invest 45 million euros in the building, and since they are moving the main entrance, a lot of work is needed. To fund this, they decided to use naming sponsorship instead of raising rents, which would increase ticket prices.
“We are confident that everyone will embrace the new name in due course”
(Jan Van Esbroeck, CEO Sportpaleis)
The Sportpaleis, which has kept its name for over 90 years, is set to change its name. CEO Jan Van Esbroeck likened the change to renaming a child, but he believes it will lead to better comfort for visitors. He mentioned that while it may take time for everyone to adjust to the new name, people can submit their suggestions online, similar to the recent name change of Palace 12 in Brussels to ING Arena.
