Ahoy Rotterdam

Ahoy Rotterdam is a convention center and arena located in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Since its opening in 1950, the center has hosted numerous exhibitions, concerts, and sporting events. The center consists of three main parts: the “Beurs- & Evenementenhallen”, the “Congres- & Vergadercentrum”, and the “Ahoy Arena”. The main music hall, known as the Ahoy Arena from 1971 to 2016 as the “Sportpaleis van Ahoy”, opened on January 15, 1971.

The foundation for Ahoy Rotterdam was laid in 1950. Following the devastation caused by World War II, Rotterdam was undergoing reconstruction, with the port almost fully restored. To commemorate this moment, an exhibition was held at a specially constructed auditorium where the Erasmus University Medical School now stands. This exhibition hall was called Ahoy'-Hal, with the apostrophe being a remnant of the exclamation mark. The hall was used for a series of national and international events, including an exhibition of architect Frank Lloyd Wright's works. During the North Sea flood of 1953, the hall also proved its value as a reception center for victims.

Ahoy Rotterdam Convention Center offers an exhibition area of 32230 square meters (approximately 346900 square feet); meeting space of 2825 square meters (approximately 30410 square feet); banquet hall of 30000 square meters (approximately 320000 square feet); club space of 6000 square meters; and a dance hall/banquet area of 650 square meters.