Lithuania’s largest arena will have its 2 millionth visitor in 2014. Since Zalgiris arena opened its doors in August 2011 nearly 400 events were attended by more than 1.8 million spectators. "In less than 3 years Zalgiris arena is already a favorite of performers and spectators. Even after the first year, crowds remain high which has exceeded the expectations we had before building the arena. This is a proof that the modern arena is well adapted to the needs of all", – said Zalgiris arena director Paulius Motiejunas. Within one year – more than 700,000 visitors There were 90 events organized last year in the „Great Hall“ of Zalgiris Arena and nearly double that amount were organized in the smaller spaces of the building, situated in Kaunas Nemunas Island. "Larger crowds are generated not only because of the great hall and its variety of events, but also because other spaces like the Gala amphitheater, Kalnapilis bar, Zalgiris training hall and exhibition spaces are being used", – detailed P.Motiejunas. People were able to spend time at almost 400 different events in this entertainment and sports palace over the year. Twenty events tickets – deficit "During the construction of the arena some wondered if Lithuania needed a building of this size, but those talks were quelled after a very successful first year of operation. Even 3 years later, people are still lining up to visit. It is impossible to purchase tickets if there are only a couple of days left before the most anticipated events" – said Zalgiris Arena ticketing director Donatas Pasvenskas. In 2013, as many as 20 event organizers managed to sell-out their events. "The number one event was most popular Lithuanian singer’s SEL concert, with tickets selling-out four weeks before the event. This led E.Dragunas (leader of SEL) to decide to hold a show that no Lithuanian artist has ever held. This year on December 6th for the first time in Lithuania there will be an exclusive SEL event in our arena that will have a 360–degree stage in the middle of the room that will be visible from all arena seats . This room configuration will increase capacity to almost 22 000" – said Zalgiris Arena events organization manager Renatas Nacajus. Among the most popular events was of course basketball – Zalgiris Kaunas vs. CSKA Moscow in the Euroleague and another game against Unicaja Malaga were the most well-attended. Sir Elton John‘s concert, performances of Foje (Lithuanian band with vocalist – Andrius Mamontovas) and other Lithuanian and foreign performers also filled the venue to capacity. The best basketball arena Since the Zalgiris Kaunas arena opened, the Zalgiris basketball club became the sole leader in Euroleague attendance. In both the 2011–2012 and the 2012–2013 seasons, Zalgiris Arena was recognized as the most attended in the Euroleague. Other big clubs like Maccabi Tel Aviv, Panathinaikos Athens and Real Madrid were left behind. After this season‘s Euroleague club managers’ survey it was clear that Kaunas arena is seen as the best place for games at this level. Even 62.5 percent of the clubs admitted that it is their favorite place to play. "Basketball officials expressed positive comments not only about the arena but also about the team itself, Zalgiris Kaunas. Not once among the Euroleague or club representatives have we heard that the infrastucture is well-suited to the needs of the team, something rarely seen in European basketball" – revealed P.Motiejunas. Exhibitions – one of the strongest sides of the arena Last year Zalgiris arena held some the largest and most popular shows in the region. "Woman’s World 2013, "Made in Lithuania" , "Health Day" , "International Dog Show". "Woman’s World 2013" alone attracted nearly 40,000 visitors. "These attendance numbers again prove the space‘s multifunctionality. "Woman’s World" was a good a test for us, – said R.Nacajus. – It was nice to see the arena full of crowds from the early morning until the door was closed." The arena can be adapted a variety of events: chamber events, conferences, exhibitions, various sport matches, circus, concerts and events on the ice. This ensures it will always be in demand by performers and spectators alike. Within first year, over 1 million visitors were welcomed to the arena. About the company: Kaunas Žalgiris Arena is the largest arena and entertainment venue in the Baltic states, located in Kaunas, the second biggest city in Lithuania. A breathtaking opening of arena took place on 2011 18th of August. The arena is new, modern and innovative – definitely a worthy tourist attraction. World famous artists and bands have already chosen to hold their performances at Žalgiris Arena: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rammstein, Lenny Kravitz, Elton John, Sting, Eric Clapton among others. By far the most expected event to be held at the arena is the EuroBasket 2011championship. Contact person Almantas Kiveris Press officer +370 659 95970 press@zalgiris.lt “Zalgiris” arena www.zalgirioarena.lt