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Brussels National Arena/Palais 12, the new sports and entertainment arena, is set to open in Brussels in June 2013 after a $26 million renovation project.

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Located near the King Baudoin Stadium, Brussels National Arena/ Palais 12 is the conversion of Palais 12 exhibition hall into the 15, 000-seat arena. After completion, Brussels National Arena/ Palais 12 is expected to become the largest arena in Belgium.

Designed by Alliage, Brussels National Arena will have 12,000 parking spaces and a large lobby area which is housed in a new building attached to the existing exhibit hall. It will be complete with concessions and other amenities.

A unique VIP seating has been designed for the arena. Rather than building suites, Brussels Expo opted to designate a 500-seat VIP area with a table between seats for easy socialising and eating. There are no walls separating the rooms. The VIP ticket holders will also have access to a private gathering space behind the seating section with bars and restaurants and restrooms.

The renovation project began in August 2011. AEG Facilities have signed a long-term deal to provide comprehensive venue services including exclusive sponsorship and naming rights sales, premium seating sales, event booking and venue operation support for Brussels Expo.

Post opening, Brussels National Arena/Palais 12 will play host to Mylene Farmer (from November 13, 15, 16, 2013), Robin de Bois, (from May 9, 10 2014) and Tokyo Ballet (from May 16, 17, 2014) with more events to be announced soon.

Brussels Expo attracts about three million visitors annually for a variety of events, conferences, exhibitions and trade fairs. The boat show and the real estate fair events utilise all 12 halls of the area.