This month marks exactly 20 years since Xiaomi Arena (formerly Arena Riga) first opened its doors. Since 2006, more than 2,500 events have taken place here, attracting a total of 9.4 million visitors. Over two decades, the arena has become the main venue in Latvia for major sporting events and international concert tours.

Everything began in 2004, when Riga needed a modern venue to host the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. An investment of €28.5 million and two years of construction resulted in a 58,000 m² arena with a capacity of 13,486 spectators. Already in its first month, the arena demonstrated its versatility – in February it hosted Raimonds Pauls’ “Singing Festival,” and in March the cult band Depeche Mode took the stage.

From Global Stars to Local Highlights
Over the years, the arena has accustomed Latvian audiences to world-class performers. Some artists have returned multiple times: Elton John and Kylie Minogue have each performed here three times, while Muse and Sting have taken the stage four times. The arena has welcomed not only musicians but also global figures such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.

However, the greatest energy is usually created by local artists. Prāta Vētra, Intars Busulis, Mesa, and Dons have performed here multiple times, while Bermudu Divstūris has made it a tradition to celebrate the start of the new school year at the arena.

Chairman of the Board of Xiaomi Arena, Ģirts Krastiņš:
“Visits by world-class stars are always a major event for us, but the arena’s true energy shines brightest when the stands are filled with our own supporters. Whether it’s hockey, basketball, or concerts by local musicians, it’s an entirely different level of power and unity. In those moments, we clearly see that the arena is not just an event venue, but a home for Latvian sport and culture.”

Sporting Milestones and the Next Chapter
It is difficult to imagine Latvian sport without this venue. The arena has hosted the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship three times, served as the home arena for Dinamo Riga, and staged countless basketball tournaments, including the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket, and the UEFA Futsal European Championship 2026.
At the beginning of 2025, the arena also introduced a new visual identity by entering into its first-ever naming rights partnership and becoming Xiaomi Arena. This marks a new stage of development while preserving the arena’s significant role on the regional events map.

Most attended concerts of the past three years:
1. Robbie Williams (XXV Tour)
2. OneRepublic (Escape to Europe 2025 Tour)
3. 50 Cent

The most attended sporting events at Xiaomi Arena have been several FIBA EuroBasket 2025 games.

With an average of 120–150 events per year, Xiaomi Arena continues to be one of the leading venues in the region and is now preparing to welcome its 10 millionth visitor.