Torino Palavela

PalaVela

The Palazzo a Vela photographed in 1961 by Paolo Monti
Former names	Palazzo delle Mostre Palazzo a vela
Location	Via Ventimiglia, 145, 10127 Turin TO, Italy
Coordinates	45°01′24″N 7°40′09″E / 45.02333°N 7.66917°E / 45.02333; 7.66917Coordinates: 45°01′24″N 7°40′09″E / 45.02333°N 7.66917°E / 45.02333; 7.66917
Owner	City of Turin
Type	Indoor arena
Capacity	Basketball: 9,200 Figure skating and Short track: 8,285
Construction
Built	1959-1961
Opened	1961
Renovated	October 2003 - December 2004
Construction cost	110 Million lire

Palavela, formerly known as Palazzo delle Mostre and Palazzo a Vela is an arena in Turin, Italy, on the bank of the River Po. It was designed by engineer Franco Levi and architects Annibale and Giorgio Rigotti. The arena is 130 metres in diameter. Originally built for the Italia '61 Expo, Palavela was renovated for the figure skating and short track speed skating events at the 2006 Winter Olympics. It also hosted some events of the XXIII Winter Universiade in 2007. In 2008 the Palavela hosted the 24th European Rhythmic Gymnastics. It hosted the 2010 World Figure Skating Championships in March 2010.

As part of the renovation, a new seating system was installed at the arena. The cost of the renovation was 55,000,000 euros.

It has a seating capacity for a maximum 12,000 people, and 9,200 when configured for basketball games. The arena hosted the 2008 ULEB Cup Final Eight and also the same event under the competition's new name of the Eurocup in the 2008-09 season.

The Palavela was featured in the 1969 film The Italian Job. In a famous scene in the film, three Minis are seen driving onto and over the distinctive roof.

PalaVela at night

Torino Palavela during the 2006 Winter Olympics