The Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) Arena is a premier event venue in South Africa, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and world-class services. With a seating capacity of 10,000, the ICC Arena is a versatile venue that can accommodate a wide range of events, including indoor sporting events, concerts, exhibitions, and conferences. In this comprehensive guide, we will take a closer look at the construction and seating plan of the ICC Arena, as well as its impact on the local economy and its event hosting capabilities.
The history of the Durban ICC Arena dates back to the early 2000s when the facility underwent a major expansion to create a 10,000-seater indoor arena for sports and leisure events. The extension was necessary to ensure that the facility maintains its market share in the conference and events industry. The extension ensures that the Durban ICC remains one of the premier event venues in South Africa, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
The ICC Arena boasts a unique architectural design that seamlessly blends with the surrounding environment. The construction process involved the use of modern building materials and sustainable practices, making it one of the most eco-friendly event venues in the country. The seating plan of the ICC Arena is designed to provide maximum comfort and convenience to the attendees, with ample legroom and clear sightlines from every seat. The venue is also equipped with the latest technological integration and safety measures, ensuring a seamless and secure event experience for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- The Durban ICC Arena is a versatile venue that can accommodate a wide range of events, including indoor sporting events, concerts, exhibitions, and conferences.
- The ICC Arena underwent a major expansion in the early 2000s to create a 10,000-seater indoor arena for sports and leisure events, making it one of the premier event venues in South Africa.
- The ICC Arena boasts a unique architectural design, sustainable construction practices, and the latest technological integration and safety measures, ensuring a seamless and secure event experience for everyone.
History of Durban ICC Arena
Durban ICC Arena is a multi-purpose indoor venue that is part of the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), located in Durban, South Africa. The arena was built as an addition to the existing convention centre to create a 10,000-seater indoor arena for sport and leisure events. The extension was necessary to ensure that the facility maintains its market share in the conference and events industry.
Construction for the Durban ICC Arena began in 2004 and was only finished in 2007. The arena cost R460 million, which was funded by the eThekwini Municipality, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, and the South African government. The arena and main event center of the complex is composed of Halls 4-6 of the Durban ICC. Depending on configuration, it can seat anywhere from 3,000-10,000.
The Durban ICC was inaugurated in 1997 by Nelson Mandela as part of Operation Jumpstart, a scheme to encourage development in Durban and the surrounding region. To cater for increasing demand, the Durban ICC was officially expanded with the opening of the ICC Arena in March 2007, transforming the centre into the largest flat floor, column-free exhibitions and meetings space in Africa.
Today, the Durban ICC Arena offers a multi-purpose indoor venue of 3900m², ideal for a multitude of indoor sporting codes. The arena hosts a variety of events, including concerts, conferences, exhibitions, and sporting events. With its state-of-the-art facilities and central location, the Durban ICC Arena is a popular venue for both local and international events.
Architectural Design
The Durban ICC Arena was seamlessly integrated within the original structure of the Durban International Convention Centre. The arena covers a total area of 11,000 square meters and is composed of Halls 4-6 of the Durban ICC Wikipedia. The arena can seat anywhere from 3,000-10,000 people depending on the configuration Wikipedia. The full height movable partitions provide maximum spatial flexibility between all ICC halls, including the Arena Ruben Reddy Architects.
The Durban ICC is a versatile venue of incredible dimensions, flexible enough to meet any need, big or small, no matter how extraordinary. The arena, being the main event center of the complex, is a multi-purpose venue with a focus on legacy, culture, and location AECOM. The design of the arena was aimed at attracting international events to South Africa SVA International.
The Durban ICC Arena was completed in 2006 and cost R530 million Ruben Reddy Architects. The cost of the arena was justified by the fact that it was built to meet international standards and attract international events to South Africa SVA International.
Construction Process
Durban ICC Arena is one of the most versatile venues in the world. It has been designed in such a way that it offers an almost unlimited number of venue configurations available to clients. The construction of the arena began in 2004 and was completed in March 2007. The construction process was divided into several stages, which are described below.
Planning and Permissions
The construction of Durban ICC Arena began with the planning and permissions stage. The planning stage involved the conceptualization of the arena’s design, including the seating plan, the size of the arena, and its facilities. The permissions stage involved obtaining the necessary permits from the relevant authorities to begin construction.
Groundbreaking and Foundation
The groundbreaking and foundation stage involved the excavation of the ground and the laying of the foundation. The excavation was done to create space for the arena’s foundation, which was made of concrete. The foundation was designed to support the weight of the arena and its occupants.
Structural Development
The structural development stage involved the erection of the building’s steel structure. The steel structure was erected to support the arena’s roof and its walls. The roof was designed to provide shade and protection from the weather, while the walls were designed to provide support and security.
Exterior and Interior Finishing
The exterior and interior finishing stage involved the application of finishing materials to the building’s exterior and interior. The exterior finishing materials included cladding, paint, and glass. The interior finishing materials included flooring, wall finishes, and ceiling finishes.
In conclusion, the construction of Durban ICC Arena was a complex process that involved several stages. The arena’s design and construction were carried out with utmost care to ensure that it met the highest standards of safety and functionality.
Seating Plan
The Durban ICC Arena is a state-of-the-art indoor arena with a seating capacity of up to 10,000 people, depending on the configuration. The seating plan of the arena is designed to provide maximum comfort and convenience to the audience, with various seating options available to suit different needs.
Overall Layout
The seating plan of the Durban ICC Arena is divided into different sections, including the lower bowl, upper bowl, and premium seating areas. The lower bowl is the closest to the stage and offers a more immersive experience, while the upper bowl provides a bird’s eye view of the entire arena. The premium seating areas include VIP boxes, suites, and lounges, which offer a more luxurious experience with exclusive access to amenities such as catering and private restrooms.
VIP and Premium Options
The Durban ICC Arena offers various VIP and premium seating options for those who want to enjoy a more exclusive experience. The VIP boxes are located on the upper level and offer a private seating area with a dedicated server and catering options. The suites are located on the lower level and offer a more spacious seating area with a private bar and lounge. The lounges are located on the upper level and offer a more relaxed atmosphere with comfortable seating and access to a private bar.
Accessibility Features
The Durban ICC Arena is designed to be accessible to everyone, with various accessibility features available to accommodate different needs. The arena offers wheelchair-accessible seating areas, as well as accessible restrooms and parking. The arena also provides assistive listening devices for those who are hard of hearing, and sign language interpretation services for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
In conclusion, the seating plan of the Durban ICC Arena is designed to provide maximum comfort and convenience to the audience, with various seating options available to suit different needs. The VIP and premium seating options offer a more exclusive experience, while the accessibility features ensure that the arena is accessible to everyone.
Materials and Sustainability
Building Materials
Durban ICC Arena was built using high-quality materials that promote sustainability and durability. The complex features a unique design that integrates cutting-edge technologies and materials, which promote a greener, ultra-sustainable environment both inside and out. The building is made of high-strength concrete, which is a durable material that can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it ideal for a building located in a coastal city like Durban.
The arena’s exterior features a glass façade that allows natural light to penetrate the building, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. The glass façade also provides a stunning view of the surrounding area, making the arena a beautiful addition to Durban’s skyline.
Energy Efficiency
Durban ICC Arena was designed with energy efficiency in mind. The building features a state-of-the-art HVAC system that is designed to reduce energy consumption while maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the arena. The lighting system inside the arena is also energy-efficient, using LED lights that consume less energy than traditional lighting systems.
Water Conservation
The Durban ICC Arena was built with a focus on water conservation. The building features a rainwater harvesting system that collects rainwater from the roof and stores it in underground tanks. The collected water is then used to irrigate the landscaping around the building, reducing the amount of water needed for landscaping.
Additionally, the arena features water-efficient fixtures, such as low-flow toilets and faucets, which reduce the amount of water used for sanitation purposes. The building also features a greywater recycling system, which collects and treats water from sinks and showers and recycles it for non-potable uses like flushing toilets.
Overall, Durban ICC Arena is a prime example of a sustainable building that is designed to reduce its environmental impact while providing a world-class venue for events and entertainment.
Also check: Construction and Seating Plan: Inside Charles Mopeli Stadium
Technological Integration
The Durban ICC Arena is a state-of-the-art facility that features advanced technological integration in its design and construction. This integration extends to the sound systems, lighting design, and digital signage.
Sound Systems
The sound system at the Durban ICC Arena is top-of-the-line, designed to provide crystal-clear audio quality for all events. The system is fully integrated with the arena’s acoustics, ensuring that sound is evenly distributed throughout the space. The arena’s sound system is designed to be flexible, allowing for easy customization to meet the unique needs of each event.
Lighting Design
The lighting design at the Durban ICC Arena is both functional and visually stunning. The lighting system is fully integrated with the arena’s sound system, allowing for seamless coordination between the two. The lighting system is also designed to be flexible, allowing for easy customization to meet the unique needs of each event.
Digital Signage
The Durban ICC Arena features advanced digital signage technology throughout the facility. This technology is designed to provide real-time information to attendees, including event schedules, directions, and other important information. The digital signage is fully integrated with the arena’s sound and lighting systems, ensuring that attendees can easily access the information they need throughout the event.
In conclusion, the Durban ICC Arena is a technological marvel that features advanced integration of sound systems, lighting design, and digital signage. The facility is designed to provide a world-class experience for attendees, ensuring that every event held at the arena is a success.
Safety Measures
Safety is of utmost importance at the Durban ICC Arena. The management has taken several measures to ensure the safety of visitors, including fire safety, emergency exits, and security systems.
Fire Safety
The Durban ICC Arena has a state-of-the-art fire safety system that includes smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinklers. The system is regularly checked and maintained to ensure it is in top working condition. In addition, the arena has fire extinguishers placed at strategic locations throughout the building.
Emergency Exits
The arena has multiple emergency exits that are clearly marked and easily accessible. Visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the location of the exits upon entering the building. In case of an emergency, visitors are advised to remain calm and follow the instructions of the arena staff.
Security Systems
The Durban ICC Arena has a comprehensive security system in place to ensure the safety of visitors. The arena is equipped with CCTV cameras that are monitored by trained security personnel. In addition, the arena has a team of security guards who patrol the building to ensure the safety of visitors.
Overall, visitors can feel confident that the Durban ICC Arena takes their safety seriously and has taken all necessary measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Event Hosting Capabilities
Durban ICC Arena is a state-of-the-art, technology-driven center that offers a range of hosting capabilities for various events. The arena’s flexibility and versatility make it an ideal venue for international conventions, exhibitions, sporting events, concerts, and special occasions.
Conferences and Conventions
Durban ICC Arena is a top choice for hosting conferences and conventions. The arena offers a variety of conference rooms and halls that can accommodate small to large-sized events. The conference rooms and halls are equipped with advanced audio-visual equipment, Wi-Fi, and other essential amenities. The venue also offers catering services, which can be customized to suit the specific needs of the event.
Concerts and Performances
Durban ICC Arena offers an exceptional experience for concerts and performances. The arena has a seating capacity of up to 10,000 people, making it an ideal venue for large-scale concerts and performances. The arena’s advanced sound and lighting systems provide an immersive experience for the audience. The venue also offers backstage facilities for performers and their teams.
Sports Events
Durban ICC Arena is an excellent choice for hosting sports events. The arena has a multi-purpose sports hall that can be configured to accommodate various sports, including basketball, volleyball, and indoor soccer. The arena also has a range of advanced equipment, including scoreboards, shot clocks, and sound systems, to enhance the sports experience for both players and spectators.
In conclusion, Durban ICC Arena’s versatility and advanced facilities make it an ideal venue for various events, including conferences and conventions, concerts and performances, and sports events. The arena’s commitment to world-class service excellence ensures that every event hosted at the venue is a success.