Black Sea Arena Ready to Host International Events

The new concert hall ‘Black Sea Arena’ in Shekvetili, on eastern Georgia's Black Sea coast has been officially opened and handed to the State by the Cartu Charity Foundation (Cartu Fund), established and financed by Georgia’s former Prime Minister, Bidzina Ivanishvili. The concert venue is expected to develop tourism in the region and will support economic development and investment opportunities. Over the summer months, the Black Sea Arena will host the concerts of both local and international musicians.

Designed by German architects Drei Architekten, the Black Sea Arena can accommodate around 10,000 spectators and has additional adapted places for people with disabilities, before now unprecedented in Georgia.

The technical capabilities of the Arena match international standards, including a retractable ceiling cover that can open or close within several minutes. 168 rotating, translucent facade lamellas will protect guests from the sun, wind and rain, but once opened will allow a full view of the nearby landscape and towering mountains of the Greater Caucasus.

Moreover, the Black Sea Arena aims to benefit local residents. According to official information, more than 600 people were involved in its construction. On opening, 100 locals will be employed at the venue and this number is to double during concerts and other events.

Together with a 200 million GEL investment in the Arena, Cartu Fund is to financially support several concerts of world famous musicians in the next few months. All finances received from ticket sales will go to the state budget. The organizers claim that the concert hall will be able to host concerts of all musical styles, as well as sporting events and other public occasions.

Eka Karsaulidze

Photo: Makho Jighaurishvili / GT