There’s never a dull moment on the Cotai Strip. Late last year, The Venetian Arena levelled up in just about every way imaginable. Formerly known as the Cotai Arena, this 14,000-capacity venue underwent an impressive transformation and reopened with sleek new facilities and state-of-the-art technology
The revamp is the brainchild of Sands China Ltd. and Populous, a global architectural design firm behind some of the most iconic venues for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as The Londoner Arena, which debuted in 2023.
“Over the years, the arena has hosted many of the world’s top stars, from Bruno Mars to BTS, Lady Gaga and Jay Chou,” says David Baxley, Vice President of Entertainment at Sands China Ltd. “Now, with luxurious VIP suites, cutting-edge audiovisual technology and upgraded backstage facilities, The Venetian Arena will help usher in a new era of entertainment in Macao.”
The timing couldn’t be better – the arena debuted just in time to host the NBA Legends Celebrity Game in December. Looking ahead, South Korean girl group 2NE1’s “Welcome Back Asia” tour will be a highlight this February, followed by the highly anticipated return of Hong Kong singer and actress Sammi Cheng in May. And that’s just the beginning – a slew of other amazing acts will take the stage in the months to come.
From K-pop to Cantopop, the arena is gearing up for a big year. And sports fans can look forward to October 2025 when the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns face off in Macao during the NBA’s first preseason game in China in five years.
With its ability to host everything from superstar concerts to major sporting events, e-sports tournaments, trade shows and conferences, the revamped Venetian Arena will no doubt be a magnet for high-profile events. Take a look at some of the most exciting new features:
New VIP suites and amenities
The Venetian Arena’s premium areas go all out to impress. It all starts with a dedicated VIP entrance, letting guests skip the crowds and glide straight to the stage-level floor.
Inside, 15 lavish VIP Suites await guests on the main concourse level. Awash in low-key shades of grey and cream with splashes of deep sapphire, these suites enhance the experience with curved sectional sofas, marble countertops and private bathrooms.
And with plush reclining leather lounge chairs overlooking the arena, guests can soak up every event in comfort and style (plus, stay fully charged and ready to share the fun on social media with built-in, touchless phone charging stations on the armrest itself!)
“Our new suites elevate the entire event experience for our guests,” says Baxley. “These luxurious spaces offer both exclusivity and a front-row seat to the action. By eliminating the glass barriers typically installed between VIP lounges and the stage, we have also created a really immersive VIP experience for our guests.”
For those seeking additional privacy, seven Bunker Suites, hidden under the stands on the lower ground floor offer all the comforts of home – think big-screen TVs, closets, vanities and kitchenettes – in calming green, blue and cream tones. High above the action, Skybox Suites deliver stunning views paired with dedicated food and beverage services.
Social butterflies can mingle in the new VIP Lounge, designed for up to 450 guests, featuring chic private salons, exclusive restrooms and a meet-and-greet area for unforgettable celebrity moments.
World-class backstage facilities
VIP guests aren’t the only ones who’ll love the upgraded Venetian Arena. The revamped venue also offers an all-new backstage experience for artists, athletes and production crews.
The dressing rooms rival the finest in Asia, with elegant, understated decor and plenty of space to stretch out. Stars can expect a dedicated dining room, opulent bathrooms, a massive walk-in closet for costumes and lots of space for their entourages – everything they need to shine on stage.
Meanwhile, no detail has been spared in the gorgeous locker rooms. From plush furnishings and relaxing green hues to a private bar and shower facilities stocked with Acqua di Parma toiletries, these beautifully designed changing spaces are fit for champions.
Additionally, crew facilities, including catering and laundry, help ensure a seamless experience by addressing any behind-the-scenes needs that arise.
“Top-tier dressing rooms and locker rooms are a game-changer for any arena,” says Baxley. “When you’re hosting world-renowned celebrities and elite athletes, creating a luxurious backstage experience shows you value their comfort and preparation. It’s these thoughtful details that attract the biggest names and enable them to give their all.”
Next-level technical innovations
Of course, a best-in-class events venue like this one needs advanced technology that brings every show, game, and conference to life. For starters, The Venetian Arena now has a flexible design featuring a retractable seating system that can adapt to various layouts.
“With 360-degree seating options, it’s perfect for everything from massive concerts to intimate sporting events, ensuring every seat feels like the best in the house,” says Baxley. “This versatility not only enhances the audience experience but also makes the venue a top choice for hosting a wide variety of events.”
The Venetian Arena also boasts advanced audiovisual systems, such as an intelligent system that integrates light, audio, and visual elements for an immersive multi-sensory experience. Sands has also added a 360-degree LED ribbon and new LED corner screens, creating an immersive visual experience. At the same time, an improved rigging capacity and show power of 100,000 amps allow for even the most ambitious productions.
The Venetian Arena’s transformation marks another exciting step in Macao’s evolution as a go-to destination for top-tier events. Hot on the heels of the recently opened Londoner Arena, these two powerhouse venues now offer unmatched versatility, opulence and technical capability for events of any scale.
