FIBA 3x3 European Basketball Championship, Vienna
The FIBA 3x3 European Basketball Championship brought top international athletes and basketball fans right into the heart of Vienna. On the Kaiserwiese, against the impressive backdrop of one of the city’s most famous landmarks, a temporary sports arena was erected that perfectly reflected the urban character of 3x3 basketball. With seating for up to 4,000 spectators, the event became a special open-air sporting experience.
3x3 Basketball as a Modern Sports Experience
The 3x3 version of basketball is all about dynamism, proximity to the audience, and a unique atmosphere. Unlike traditional indoor basketball, the sport takes place on a single court, with music, entertainment, and audience interaction playing a major role in the event. For international tournaments such as the FIBA 3x3 European Basketball Championship, therefore, it is not enough to simply meet athletic requirements. The arena must also function as a competition venue, a gathering place, and an experiential platform. The proximity between the audience and the athletes, combined with the compact layout, creates a special energy that defines the character of this sport.
Temporary Arena in the Heart of Vienna
A particular challenge of the project was its location on the Kaiserwiese. The arena was built in a central location of great urban significance and had to blend harmoniously into its surroundings. Within just a few days, the open space was transformed into a fully-fledged basketball arena complete with bleachers, a court, spectator areas, and event infrastructure. The modular construction method enabled efficient implementation and flexible adaptation to the specific requirements of the inner-city venue.
Europe's Largest Open-Air Basketball Arena
For the FIBA 3x3 European Basketball Championship, NUSSLI built a complete temporary sports arena with a capacity of up to 4,000 spectators. The arena included four grandstands surrounding the court, as well as additional areas for athletes, visitors, and event technology. These included two warm-up courts, an advertising tower, platforms for lighting and sound equipment, and a DJ booth. In addition, a box tower with a total of 36 boxes on two levels was built, offering guests an exclusive live experience with a direct view of the games. The needs of people with disabilities were also taken into account during the planning phase. A total of 40 seats were available directly at the playing field for wheelchair users and their companions.
Inclusion as an Integral Part of the Event Concept
The FIBA 3x3 European Basketball Championship set new standards not only in terms of sports but also in the area of inclusion. For the first time, the 3x3 European Wheelchair Basketball Championship was also held within the same arena. To ensure that all athletes and visitors could participate, the entire infrastructure was designed to be accessible. Food service and VIP areas were just as accessible as the playing court, warm-up courts, and spectator seating. Ramps allowed for unrestricted use of the various areas and made the arena an open venue for all sports enthusiasts.
Hospitality and Spectator Experience
At modern sporting events, the overall experience plays a central role alongside the competition itself. Spectators expect not only the best view of the action, but also comfortable seating areas and additional entertainment options. The Logenturm created a unique hospitality area that offered groups and partners an exclusive view of the games. At the same time, the arena’s compact design and proximity to the field ensured an intense atmosphere in every section of the stands.