Zagreb’s newest landmark, the city’s imposing multifunctional arena, was completed in just 15 months and on February 1, 2009 for the final of the World Handball Championships. The heart of the arena is formed by multifunctional, retractable spectator seating, which was designed and installed by Waagner-Biro Stage Systems AG in record time.
The new multifunctional arena can accommodate 15,000-20,000 spectators, approximately 4,500 of whom can be accommodated on the retractable seating developed by Waagner-Biro Stage Systems. Once again Waagner-Biro has demonstrated its competence with a convincing and innovative solution of the highest quality. The seating can be extended in differing forms and thus offers a diversity of configurations and uses, which include everything from indoor sporting occasions and rock concerts, to corporate events.
In order to meet the design requirements of the architects, Waagner-Biro had to meet especially stringent demands with regard to the employment of ergonomically formed, folding seats in the stand system.  A further major challenge was posed by the installation of a special seating block with a height of over 8.5 m and a depth of 26 rows with integrated transverse aisles, which also had to offer the possibility of intermediate positioning.  60m-long seating blocks can be quickly run out and in along the side-walls of the arena and this guarantees the rapid adjustment of the functionality and capacity of the arena to the requirements of the respective, individual event.
In addition to the fulfilment of the strictest stipulations regarding quality, stability and adherence to safety regulations, a special focus was placed on detailed planning and product finishing. Under enormous time pressure, the entire system was installed, put into operation and handed over to the complete satisfaction of the customer in less than ten weeks.