Copper Box Arena

The Copper Box Arena stands in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Hackney, east London. Built for the 2012 Summer Olympics, it was originally called the Handball Arena but renamed to reflect its wider role. During the Games it hosted handball preliminaries, modern pentathlon fencing and Paralympic goalball. The building’s design uses light pipes and rainwater collectors to cut energy and water use by 40%. Construction finished early in 2011 and came in under budget. The arena now hosts a wide range of sports and events beyond its Olympic past. British Basketball League’s London Lions moved here in 2013, followed by the women’s team in 2017. Netball Superleague finals, England netball tests and the London Grand Prix badminton tournament have all taken place inside. Wheelchair rugby, boxing, table tennis and esports tournaments have also filled the calendar. The floor once suffered damage during a mass fitness event, forcing last-minute changes to netball internationals. Visitors find a large indoor space with 7,000 seats arranged around a flexible court. The walls and roof let in natural light through the light pipes, giving the arena a bright feel. Outside, the arena sits among the landscaped paths and waterways of the Olympic Park. The surrounding area offers cafes, playgrounds and green spaces for people to explore before or after events.