HSBC Arena (originally Arena Olímpica do Rio and formally Rioarena) is an indoor multi-purpose arena, located in the neighborhood of Barra da Tijuca, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The arena was completed in July 2007. It has a capacity 15,000, for sports and 8,000-18,000, for concerts.
It hosted the basketball and gymnastics events at the 2007 Pan American Games. In December 2007, it started being operated by GL Events, who also operates the nearby Riocentro Convention Center and the Riocentro Sports Complex and started hosting many concerts from a variety of artists. It has hosted the telethon show, Criança Esperança, after 2008, replacing Ginásio Ibirapuera as the host.
Starting on 29 March 2008, it was renamed HSBC Arena, as part of a naming rights agreement with the bank.
Queen + Paul Rodgers concluded their Rock the Cosmos Tour here on 29 November 2008. This performance marked the end of Paul Rodgers' collaboration with Queen lead guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor.
American pop singer Miley Cyrus will perform here for her upcoming Gypsy Heart Tour on May 13, 2011, and it is Cyrus' first time in Brazil.
Iron Maiden delayed their performance on 27 march 2011 due to lack of security and barrier collapse episode after selling of over 18,000 tickets - breaking the venue limit for the end stage show. Performance was postponted to next evening. Next day - 28 march 2011, band plays to 12,500 people due to attendance and safety limits.
It will also host the basketball and gymnastics events of the 2016 Summer Olympics and wheelchair basketball events of the 2016 Summer Paralympics. The HSBC Arena name may possibly be masked during the Olympics since corporate sponsorship is not allowed in the names of Olympic venues.
It will also play host to the UFC's first event in Brazil in over 10 years, which will take place on 27th August 2011.