In Cayalá the foundations of Rooster Sanda space for concerts, sports, conventions and shows.
Some doubts arise about the place, its construction and the spaces it will have, as well as other curiosities.
Javier Arzú, of ASA Promotions, says that this construction plan has taken about seven years. “A pride for Guatemala, sustained by those who give it life: public, artists, brands, producers, promoters and those who promote each event,” he adds.
Arzú explains that for years esplanades, parking lots, galleries and spaces have been adapted to create events. “We have had to take everything from scratch: stage, bathrooms, chairs, lights, stands, dressing rooms, access, production, operation and public services, and yet Guatemala has managed to put on incredible events,” he says.
Arena Gallo is supported by Oak View Group (OVG), one of the most important arena developers and operators in the world, which connects the project with the global entertainment industry.
1. The size of 13 football fields
Arena Gallo will have 90 thousand m², in which the first foundations for the construction of the complex can already be seen. For comparison, the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Spain has a playing surface of about 7 thousand m²; i.e. Arena Gallo it would be approximately 13 times that size.
2. Capacity for 14,500 people
The future Arena Gallo will have capacity for 14,500 people for concerts, sports activities, conventions and shows.
There are some venues of similar size in the world. For example, the Movistar Arena, an indoor stadium located in Bogotá, Colombia, opened its doors to the public in 2018 and can hold up to 14,000 spectators. In 2024, it sold more than 260 thousand tickets for different activities, according to Infobae.
Another of the largest venues is Madison Square Garden, in the United States, with capacity for 20 thousand people. The Mexico City Arena has space for between 22,000 and 25,000 attendees.
Guatemala also projects the Futeca Districtan ecosystem that will have Foro Futeca, a world-class multipurpose venue with capacity for up to 21 thousand people in sports format and up to 35 thousand in concerts and massive events.
3. Sources of work
In the construction of the site alone, Zachrisson, from Zacsa, adds that more than 1,500 jobs have been generated in this phase and a significant impact is expected in the area.
4. The millionaire investment
It is estimated that close to US$90 million (more than Q697 million) will be invested to build this place. The venue will be inaugurated in November 2027, although there is still no exact date.
5. Details inspired by Guatemala
The interior spaces of the arena are inspired by volcanoes, lakes, textures, nature and elements representative of the Guatemalan identity.
6. Construction with international support
“An arena made by Guatemalans for Guatemalans, which becomes a new economic engine, a generator of employment, tourism and an attraction for businesses and multiple industries around each event,” say the organizers.
From its structural formation to the transformation of experiences, Arena Gallo has the support of Oak View Group (OVG), one of the most important arena developers and operators in the world, which connects the project with the global entertainment industry.
One of OVG’s jobs has been the construction of the Climate Pledge Arena, located at the Seattle Center. It is home to the Seattle Kraken of the NHL; the Seattle Storm, of the WNBA; the PWHL’s Seattle Torrent, and global live music artists and events.