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BK Arena
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BK Arena
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BK Arena (formerly known as Kigali Arena) is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Kigali, Rwanda, used mostly for basketball and volleyball matches. Built and finished in 2019, it hosts sporting events and concerts. It is the biggest indoor arena in East Africa and is located next to the Amahoro Stadium.[1]

Key Information

The arena is regularly used for games in the Rwanda Basketball League (RBL). It was constructed by SUMMA, a Turkish international contractor.

In 2021 Kigali Arena signed a contract with Rwandan singer Bruce Melodie for him to be its brand ambassador for the next three years with a shared objective to position the venue as a regional entertainment hub.[2][3]

On 24 May 2022, the arena's name was changed to the BK Arena after a six-year sponsorship deal worth 7 billion RF with the Bank of Kigali.[4]

Construction

[edit]

Construction of the Kigali Arena, a joint project of the Rwandan government through the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) and Turkish firm Summa, began in January 2019. The construction of the indoor arena was supervised by the RHA.[5] Construction progressed at a fast rate, with around 1,000 to 2,000 people employed to work on the project both in day and night shifts. By mid-June 2019, the indoor arena was at least 70 percent complete and was completed in July 2019.[6]

Events

[edit]

The Kigali Arena has hosted various sports events that the 2019 FIBA Under-16 Women's African Championship, the AfroBasket 2021, and the 2021 African Nations Volleyball Championships. It will host the 2023 Women's Afrobasket.

It has hosted the finals of the 2019 Rwandan National Basketball League, selling out multiple games.[7] The arena was supposed to host the Final Four of the inaugural season of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), but eventually hosted the entire regular season of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[8] The BK Arena also hosted the playoffs in 2022 and 2023, following an agreement between the BAL and the Ministry of Sport.

On 9 August 2019, the arena was inaugurated with a basketball game between Patriots BBC and REG BBC, with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in attendance.[9][10]

In 2021, Kigali Arena played host to the inaugural edition of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and the 2021 Afrobasket championship. In 2022, the second season of the BAL held its playoffs in the arena.

On 16 March 2023, the arena hosted the 73rd FIFA Congress.[11]

Features

[edit]

Kigali Arena is a 10,000 capacity indoor arena for indoor sports such as basketball, handball, volleyball, and tennis, as well as concerts and conferences.[5] The sports venue is situated nearby the 45,000 capacity Amahoro Stadium and the 2,500 capacity Amahoro Indoor Stadium.[6]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

BK Arena

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The BK Arena is a state-of-the-art multi-purpose indoor arena in Kigali, Rwanda, recognized as the largest fully covered venue of its kind in East Africa with a seating capacity of 10,000. Opened on August 9, 2019, it serves primarily as a hub for basketball and volleyball matches, alongside concerts, conferences, exhibitions, and major sporting tournaments. Named after the Bank of Kigali through a six-year sponsorship deal worth 7 billion Rwandan francs (approximately US$7 million) starting in 2022, the arena is situated adjacent to the Amahoro Stadium and plays a pivotal role in Rwanda's sports and entertainment infrastructure. Construction of the BK Arena began in January 2019, and was completed in an unprecedented six months by the Turkish firm SUMMA under a involving the and the . The project cost $104 million, reflecting 's commitment to modernizing its facilities to host international events and foster through . This rapid development positioned the arena as one of Africa's top indoor venues upon , with advanced features including high-tech systems, climate control, and versatile spaces for diverse gatherings. The arena's primary uses encompass professional sports competitions, such as World Cup qualifiers and the (BAL) launched by the , as well as cultural events like the 2022 Bruce Melodie concert celebrating a decade of his career. It has also hosted high-profile gatherings including the 2022 Youth Connekt Africa Summit and the inaugural PFL Africa MMA semifinals in October 2025, drawing thousands and elevating Kigali's status as a regional events destination. Beyond the main hall, facilities include private lounges, 180-degree view suites, and a , supporting everything from gala dinners to product launches. Managed by QA Venue Solutions—a South African firm—since a seven-year agreement with the Rwandan in , the BK Arena emphasizes sustainable operations and impact, generating thousands of jobs and contributing to Rwanda's vision of becoming a global sports hub. Under this management, the venue has hosted over 10 major events annually, reinforcing its role in and international collaboration.

History

Planning and construction

The planning for the BK Arena, originally known as the Kigali Arena, was initiated by the Rwandan government as part of broader efforts to enhance sports infrastructure and promote economic development through tourism and events. The project was commissioned in January 2019 through the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Culture, leading directly to the start of construction that same month. The total construction cost amounted to $104 million, funded through a public-private partnership between the Rwandan government and the Turkish firm SUMMA. Construction proceeded on a compressed timeline, beginning in January 2019 and reaching completion by July 2019, enabling an opening shortly thereafter. The Turkish firm SUMMA served as the main builder under a design-and-build turnkey contract, while the Rwanda Housing Authority oversaw the project. The arena site, located adjacent to the existing in , required careful site preparation to integrate the new structure without disrupting ongoing activities at the neighboring venue. The rapid build process involved up to 2,000 workers on site, including over 1,000 Rwandans, highlighting efficient coordination to address logistical demands of the urban location. By June 2019, approximately 70% of the work was complete, demonstrating effective despite the tight schedule.

Opening and renaming

The Kigali Arena officially opened on August 9, 2019, during an inauguration ceremony presided over by Rwandan President , which included an inaugural game that marked the facility's debut as a venue. The event highlighted the arena's role in advancing Rwanda's sports infrastructure, with Kagame emphasizing its potential to nurture youth talent and host international competitions. Following its opening, the arena rapidly integrated into 's sports ecosystem, serving as the primary home venue for the Rwanda Basketball League (RBL), whose teams began utilizing the facility for matches in the 2019 season, including the league's national finals. This early adoption by the RBL underscored the arena's immediate impact on local , providing a modern, high-capacity space that elevated the league's professional standards and attendance. In May 2021, while still operating under its original name, the Arena appointed Rwandan singer Bruce Melodie as its first through a three-year valued at 150 million Rwandan francs, aimed at promoting the venue's events and cultural significance. The arena underwent a significant on May 24, , when it was renamed BK Arena as part of a six-year sponsorship deal with the , worth 7 billion Rwandan francs—the largest such agreement in Rwandan sports history. This enhanced the venue's visibility and financial sustainability, allowing the to integrate its branding throughout the facility while supporting ongoing operations and event hosting.

Venue

Location and access

BK Arena is situated in the Remera district of , , at geographic coordinates 1°57′06″S 30°06′56″E. It lies on KG 17 Avenue, directly adjacent to , contributing to a centralized sports hub in the area. The venue integrates effectively with Kigali's road network, accessible via key routes such as KN 2 Avenue from the city center and proximity to the N3 highway toward , about 3 kilometers away. Public transport options include buses departing from downtown Kigali's main stations toward the vicinity, supplemented by widely available taxis and ride-sharing services like Yego or SafeMotos for direct drop-off. On-site parking is available for vehicles, including dedicated bays for individuals with disabilities located at the main level for seamless access. Several are situated nearby in Remera, such as the Five to Five Hotel within a 10-minute walk and the Grand Legacy Hotel offering shuttle services, catering to event attendees and overnight visitors.

Design and capacity

The BK Arena spans a total of 28,620 square , providing ample space for its multi-purpose functions. Designed by Yazgan Design Architecture, the arena features a modern indoor layout optimized for both sports competitions and large-scale gatherings, incorporating geometric patterns inspired by Rwanda's traditional Imigongo art on its glass façade to blend with contemporary aesthetics. The venue offers a of 10,000, enabling it to host major regional events while adhering to FIBA-approved dimensions for its (28 meters by 15 meters) and volleyball court (18 meters by 9 meters) to ensure compliance with international competition standards. A record attendance of 10,152 was achieved during a high-profile event, demonstrating the arena's ability to accommodate crowds beyond standard limits when configured appropriately. Safety considerations in the design prioritize for East African venues, including structural reinforcements for seismic activity common in the region and provisions to meet international event-hosting requirements.

Facilities and features

BK Arena is designed as a versatile multi-purpose venue, equipped to host a range of events including and matches, live concerts, conferences, exhibitions, beauty pageants, religious gatherings, and gala dinners, with adaptable staging and lighting systems to accommodate diverse programming. The arena features a variety of on-site amenities tailored for user comfort and functionality, such as multiple meeting rooms suitable for board meetings and corporate events, open spaces for flexible gatherings, VIP suites offering private premium experiences with personalized five-star and beverage service, and dedicated change rooms for athletes and performers. Additional facilities include a fully equipped fitness center, a room for media interactions, a CIP event space accommodating up to 250 guests for banquets or cocktails, and upper and lower s that can be configured for private receptions. The venue also provides six changing rooms, two coaching staff rooms, a media hall, a doping , and 13 cafeterias and restaurants along the concourse for dining options during events. Technological integrations enhance event operations and attendee experience, including comprehensive managed Wi-Fi services ensuring 100% coverage throughout the facility to support connectivity for spectators, staff, and hybrid events. The arena incorporates tools and adaptable audio-visual systems to facilitate seamless productions across its multi-purpose configurations. Unique adaptations reflect East African context, with on-site attractions such as an esports gaming center in partnership with the Rwanda Automobile Club, a go-karting circuit for recreational activities, a Made in Rwanda shop showcasing local products, and a rotating art exhibit curated by Art Ubuhanzi, all integrated to promote cultural and entertainment engagement. As an indoor facility in 's equatorial climate, it includes climate control systems to maintain comfortable conditions for year-round use.

Events and tenants

Sports events

BK Arena primarily hosts events, serving as the central hub for both domestic leagues and international tournaments in . The venue has been instrumental in promoting the sport across , accommodating high-profile competitions that draw large crowds and showcase regional talent. Volleyball matches also feature prominently, though remains the dominant activity. In 2021, BK Arena was the site for both the qualification rounds and the main tournament of FIBA AfroBasket 2021, Africa's premier senior men's basketball championship hosted by Rwanda. Rwanda's national team competed in the group stage, contributing to the event's success in a post-pandemic return to continental basketball. BK Arena has been a key venue for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) since its inception, hosting Nile Conference games and playoffs across multiple seasons. The inaugural 2021 season featured the league's launch with teams like Patriots BBC representing Rwanda, while 2022 and 2023 saw the arena host semifinal and final stages, including the 2023 championship where Egypt's Al Ahly defeated Senegal's AS Douanes. In 2024, BK Arena hosted the finals, where Angola's Petro de Luanda defeated Libya's Al Ahly Ly. In 2025, it hosted the Nile Conference games ahead of the playoffs and finals in Pretoria, South Africa. These events have elevated the venue's profile as a premier African basketball destination. As the home court for Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) teams, particularly for playoffs and high-stakes matches, BK Arena supports domestic competition organized by the Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA). It also serves as the base for Rwanda's national basketball team, hosting home games for qualifiers and friendlies that foster youth development and fan engagement. Sports events at BK Arena have set attendance benchmarks, with frequent sell-outs during international tournaments. For instance, the 2022 and 2023 BAL finals and semifinals drew capacity crowds of 10,000, highlighting the venue's appeal and the growing popularity of basketball in .

Other events

The BK Arena has hosted the on March 16, 2023, marking the first time this major international football governance event was held in . Over 2,000 delegates from 211 member associations and confederations gathered at the venue in , , where key decisions on global football policies were discussed and approved. Beyond conferences, the arena serves as a premier stage for concerts and entertainment productions, attracting international and regional artists. Notable performances include Kendrick Lamar's full concert in December 2023, which drew large crowds for a high-energy show, and a 2023 event featuring Nigerian superstar Rema alongside Rwandan artists like Bruce Melodie and Ariel Wayz. events, such as the 2025 PFL Africa Semifinals on October 18, have also showcased continental talent, with over 4,000 fans attending the action-packed night of fights. The venue's multi-purpose design supports a range of cultural and corporate events, including shows, product launches, and gatherings. It has accommodated pageants, gala dinners, religious services, and festivals like the GOA Awards, providing spaces for networking, exhibitions, and celebratory functions. As East Africa's largest indoor arena with a 10,000-seat capacity, BK Arena has significantly elevated the region's event landscape by enabling high-profile non-sports programming that was previously limited by . This has positioned as a growing hub for international and conferences, fostering economic and cultural exchanges across the continent.

References

  1. https://bkarena.rw/
  2. https://www.mininfra.gov.rw/fileadmin/user_upload/Mininfra/Publications/Reports/2018-19_Infrastructure_sector_Annual_Report___Final_.pdf
  3. https://bkarena.rw/tips-for-top-quality-pics-and-quantity/
  4. https://www.africainvestmentforum.com/en/news/press-releases/africa-investment-forum-champions-sports-key-african-economic-growth-sector-704
  5. https://furtherafrica.com/2021/06/19/kigali-arena/
  6. https://www.sportspro.com/insights/features/africa-sport-experts-guide-infrastructure-stadium-investment-kigali-lagos-arena-ovg/
  7. https://pflmma.com/news/the-first-ever-pfl-africa-semifinals-are-set-for-rwanda
  8. https://bkarena.rw/top-quality-pics-and-quantity/
  9. https://www.summa.com.tr/en/projects/kigali-arena.htm
  10. https://www.mininfra.gov.rw/updates/news-details/president-kagame-inaugurates-newly-built-kigali-arena
  11. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XKzIjsWZrI
  12. https://www.fiba.basketball/en/news/kigali-arena-breathes-new-life-into-rwandan-basketball
  13. https://www.ktpress.rw/2019/08/president-kagame-unveils-state-of-the-art-kigali-arena/
  14. https://www.afrobasket.com/Rwanda/basketball-League-NBL_2018-2019.aspx
  15. https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/185784/Entertainment/bruce-melodie-signs-rwf-150-million-deal-with-kigali-arena-as-brand-ambassador
  16. https://bkarena.rw/2022/05/
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  18. https://www.coliseum-online.com/rwanda-kigali-arena-renamed-bk-arena/
  19. https://www.thesportsdb.com/venue/30996-bk-arena
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  23. https://www.hotels.com/de669501685740171264/hotels-near-kigali-arena-kigali-rwanda/
  24. https://www.yazgandesign.com/kigali-arena
  25. https://www.theplan.it/eng/award-2020-Sport-Leisure/kigali-arena-a-multi-functional-sports-hall-in-rwanda-yazgan-design-architecture
  26. https://www.venueguide.fiba.basketball/vanue-design
  27. https://bkarena.rw/facilities/
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  29. https://bkarena.rw/vip-hospitality-suites/
  30. https://www.africangorilla.com/information/kigali-basketball-arena/
  31. https://liquid.tech/insights/customer-stories/qa-venue-case-study/
  32. https://bkarena.rw/things-to-do-at-kigali-arena/
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  35. https://visitrwanda.com/basketball-africa-league/
  36. https://bal.nba.com/
  37. https://www.gov.rw/blog-detail/default-12b47d004c-1
  38. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/angola-petro-de-luanda-win-2024-bal-championship
  39. https://bal.nba.com/news/al-ahli-tripoli-are-the-2025-bal-champions
  40. https://ferwaba.web.geniussports.com/competitions/
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  45. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO2-O9lEHRY
  46. https://bkarena.rw/mailchimp/music/
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  48. https://bkarena.rw/events-2/
  49. https://mindtrip.ai/attraction/kigali/bk-arena/at-Ksc0IhmK
  50. https://africa-news-agency.com/interview-uwase-mutimura-bk-arena-driver-of-sports-ecosystem-in-africa/
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