Exhibition center Rotterdam Ahoy

Rotterdam Ahoy (formerly known as Ahoy Rotterdam or simply Ahoy) is a multi-functional complex with a conference centre and indoor arena in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Ahoy history

The history of Rotterdam Ahoy dates back to 1950. After the Second World War, the entire urban infrastructure of Rotterdam was destroyed and almost nothing was left. Five years after the end of the war, the reconstruction of the city and harbour was almost complete. To celebrate the final phase of reconstruction, an exhibition called Rotterdam Ahoy! was held. This exhibition was held in a single hall specially built for the occasion. This temporary exhibition hall was located where the Erasmus MC is today. The temporary exhibition hall was called Ahoy-Hal and was used for both national and international events until 1966, when the local authorities decided to demolish it. During the North Sea flood of 1953, it was used as a shelter for victims. The Ahoy Arena (known as Sportpaleis, which translates as “Sports Palace”) was opened on 15 January 1971 and is the largest multi-purpose arena in the Netherlands.

Key features

The capacity is 16,426 people as of May 2019. The complex includes Exhibition hall (with 32,230 square metres). Congress Centre (with 35 rooms totalling 107,639 square metres). Ahoy Arena (sports palace) is the main venue. Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Center, which will have the largest auditorium in the Netherlands (capacity 2,750). This multifunctional centre has four floors and 35 rooms that can be divided or combined.