Real Madrid is preparing for a significant change as it gears up to play its final EuroLeague home game at the WiZink Center before the venue is officially renamed Movistar Arena starting 2025. The team, led by head coach Chus Mateo, will face AS Monaco tonight, which marks the culmination of their time at WiZink Center, following a decade of operations under its current name.
Chus Mateo emphasized the challenges of this week, referring to it as "a very demanding week" as his team will be competing against some of the top teams in EuroLeague. After securing a victory against Paris, the stakes are high as they prepare to take on Monaco, who currently sits at the top of the EuroLeague standings. The coach acknowledged, "The Monaco team is playing exceptionally well." This game, more than just another matchup, will also be remembered as the last EuroLeague game at WiZink.
The anticipated name change has been confirmed by the venue's management, stating, "The change will take effect due to WiZink Bank's decision to end its naming sponsorship, prompted by the establishment of a new strategic plan and the transformation of its banking business." According to their official social media account, the arena will also feature major technological innovations aimed at enhancing fan experiences during concerts and sporting events.
Iheb Nafaa, CEO of WiZink, expressed pride over the decade-long sponsorship, highlighting how WiZink contributed to elevizing the center as the go-to spot for sports and events on both regional and national scales. Meanwhile, Emilio Gayo, the President of Telefónica, noted the significance of concluding their centenary year with this sponsorship of such a globally referenced venue.
The reigning transition continues Madrid’s strategy of aligning its iconic spots with major international brands, similar to how Movistar is already linked to sports venues within other Latin American capitals such as Buenos Aires and Bogotá. Mariano de Paco Serrano, the Culture, Tourism, and Sports Minister for the Community of Madrid, reiterated the arena's importance, noting it is "an emblematic and strategic place for the region," positioning it as ideal for hosting significant cultural and sports events.
With the rebranding to Movistar Arena, the venue will benefit from innovative technological integrations, enhancing the experience for over 17,400 spectators. The arena currently ranks as one of the world’s busiest venues, hosting over 220 events and attracting approximately two million visitors annually.
Fans can look forward to exciting upcoming events as the Movistar Arena is expected to host around 120 concerts and showcases by major artists, including planned residency shows from Dani Martín and Joaquín Sabina, both already confirming multiple dates. This event schedule promises to continue with added performances from renowned artists like Dua Lipa, Maluma, and Leiva.
This next chapter for Real Madrid and its loyal supporters will certainly transform how they experience basketball, with the team set to begin its Movistar Arena chapter facing Bayern Munich on January 3, 2025. With promises of revamped facilities and exciting jump to the future, it's clear Madrid is taking great strides to keep its place at the forefront of the sports and entertainment scenes.
