Arena Gallo, a venue with capacity for more than 14,500 people, is being built in the Cayalá area, zone 16 of the capital, as a project aimed at concerts, conventions, sports shows and corporate activities in Guatemala and Central America.
According to the developers, the work will cover more than 90 thousand square meters and seeks to position itself as a new regional benchmark for entertainment and production of international events.
The promoters indicated that the infrastructure will have acoustic engineering, design and operation of international level, in addition to mobility, access, parking and logistics solutions to reduce the road impact during massive activities.
Juan Pablo García, from Factor, the company in charge of the project, stated that Arena Gallo “represents much more than a new infrastructure” and highlighted that the venue reflects “Guatemala’s ability to think big, build with vision and create projects that transform the way we live experiences.”
The project is supported by Oak View Group (OVG), a company dedicated to the development and operation of arenas and entertainment venues in different countries.
Those responsible for the project indicated that the interior spaces will be inspired by representative elements of Guatemala, such as volcanoes, lakes, textures and natural landscapes.
Employment and economic development
Gustavo Zachrisson, from Zacsa, reported that during the construction phase more than 1,500 jobs have been generated.
He added that the goal is to position Guatemala within the international circuit of large shows and massive events.
“It is no longer just about bringing events, but about how they are experienced, raising the quality, expectation and industry,” said Zachrisson.
Héctor Leal, from Grupo Cayalá, pointed out that the project is part of the urban and commercial growth promoted in that sector in recent years.
According to Leal, the arena will help attract new audiences and strengthen the economic development of the area.
Tourism impact
Harris Whitbeck, director of the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (Inguat), stated that the investment reflects confidence in the country and could promote new hotels, businesses and real estate developments.
Whitbeck indicated that projects of this type contribute to strengthening the conditions to attract investment and tourism.
“Guatemala is ready to grow, attract investment and become one of the most relevant destinations in Latin America,” he expressed.
Space for concerts and shows
Ricardo Pontaza, Gallo Marketing Manager, stated that Arena Gallo will be “the first world-class venue” conceived as a strategic event center for Central America.
The project is designed to host concerts, family shows, sporting events, conventions and international productions.
Javier Arzú, from ASA Promotions, pointed out that for years the entertainment industry in Guatemala has had to adapt esplanades, parking lots and other spaces that were not originally designed for massive shows.
According to Arzú, the new infrastructure will improve aspects related to production, logistics, access and customer service.
At the end of the activity, the Arena Gallo project was officially presented, which, according to its promoters, seeks to mark a new stage for the entertainment industry in Guatemala.
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