Pavilhão Fidelidade Explained

Pavilhão Fidelidade
Fullname:Pavilhão da Luz Nº 1
Former Names:Pavilhão Açoreana Seguros (2003–08)
Pavilhão Império Bonança (2008–13)
Address:Av. Eusébio da Silva Ferreira, 1500-313
Location:Lisbon, Portugal
Built:March 2002 – February 2004
Architect:Damon Lavelle
Seating Capacity:2,456
Owner:S.L. Benfica
Tenants:Basketball
Futsal
Roller Hockey
Website:slbenfica.pt
Publictransit: at Alto dos Moinhos
at Colégio Militar/Luz

The Pavilhão da Luz Nº 1, currently known as Pavilhão Fidelidade for sponsorship reasons, is the main arena (or pavilion) of Portuguese multi-sport club S.L. Benfica. It has a full capacity of 2,400 seats and is mainly used by the basketball, futsal and roller hockey departments of the club.

Built at the same time as the new Estádio da Luz, it was designed from the start to replace the 37-year old Pavilhão da Luz, which was torn down in March 2003.[1] [2] Opened on 28 February 2004, during the celebrations of the club centenary, its first game opposed the basketball section against Ovarense.[3] Its features include an NBA-style scoreboard, and other standard amenities like safety nets behind the goals, press boxes, five locker rooms, bars, medical offices and accommodation to handicapped fans.

Naming rights

Eight months after its opening, Benfica sold the arena naming rights to Açoreana Seguros for a fee rumoured to be close to €1 million.[4] It is currently named after Fidelidade, a Portuguese insurance company.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Seara Cardoso abre "caixinha" da nova Luz. Seara Cardoso opens "little box" of the new Luz. 21 March 2016. Record.pt. 4 December 2002. Portuguese.
  2. News: Últimas emoções no Pavilhão da Luz. Last thrills in Pavilhão da Luz. 21 March 2016. Record. 15 March 2003. Portuguese.
  3. News: A catedral das modalidades. The cathedral of sports. 21 March 2016. Record. 28 February 2004. Portuguese.
  4. News: Açoreana Seguros dá nome ao pavilhão. Açoreana Seguros gets naming rights. 21 March 2016. Record. 7 October 2004. Portuguese.