Bilbao Exhibition Centre and Bizkaia Arena

The BEC (Bilbao Exhibition Centre) was conceived as an ambitious architectural and functional project, intended to become an urban, economic and symbolic landmark for Bilbao and its surrounding area. Inaugurated in April 2004, it was built on the former industrial site of Altos Hornos de Vizcaya, in the Ansio district of Barakaldo, as part of the wider urban and economic regeneration of the Bilbao metropolitan area.

From the outset, the BEC was envisioned both as a functional challenge and an architectural milestone. Its design sought to reflect the region’s commercial, innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. To this end, an architectural solution was adopted that juxtaposes two elements: the horizontality of the six exhibition halls, representing industrial and commercial activity, and the verticality of the Reception Building (BEC Tower), which serves as a symbol of modernity and a visual landmark in the urban landscape.

With a total surface area of 251,000 m², of which প্রায় 120,000 m² are dedicated to exhibition space, the BEC is one of the largest and most modern exhibition venues in Europe. Its six halls are arranged along a covered central axis that acts as the backbone of the complex. This axis efficiently organises the flow of pedestrians, vehicles and lorries, enabling smooth and direct logistics for loading and unloading goods.

The complex features three underground parking levels with capacity for more than 4,000 vehicles, as well as an upper level exclusively for lorry traffic. In addition, the BEC incorporates all the facilities required for large-scale events: a conference centre, offices, retail areas, catering, social spaces and VIP areas.

One of its most iconic spaces is the Bizkaia Arena, the largest multi-purpose venue in Spain, with capacity for up to 26,000 people. It has hosted major sporting events such as the 2014 Basketball World Cup, as well as international concerts and technology fairs like Euskal Encounter. It is designed as a highly flexible space capable of accommodating multiple sports, including basketball, motocross and tennis.

Developed in collaboration with SENER, the project is a state-of-the-art facility that has enabled Bilbao to achieve a leading position in the highly competitive national and international exhibition market.

Beyond its functionality, the complex also stands out for its commitment to sustainability: a 100 kW photovoltaic solar plant was installed on its roof, one of the largest in the Basque Country at the time.

In short, the BEC is not only a venue for trade fairs and conferences, but also a symbol of Bilbao’s industrial and urban renewal, a showcase of its organisational capacity, and a key infrastructure for its international profile.