Events at MVM Dome, Budapest

About MVM Dome

MVM Dome is a vast modern multi-purpose arena on Üllői út in Budapest’s IX. district (near the Népliget park). Completed in late 2021 and opened on 16 December 2021 (www.setlist.fm), it was originally called the Budapest Multifunctional Arena before MVM Group (Hungary’s state power company) acquired naming rights in early 2022 (www.budapest.com). Designed by György Skardelli (also designer of the Puskás Arena), MVM Dome covers about 50,000 m² (mvm-dome.hu) with roughly 20,000 spectator seats. It’s officially Hungary’s largest and most modern indoor event hall (mvm-dome.hu). The building’s organic, “muscle fiber” façade (inspired by Michelangelo’s anatomy drawings) is fitted with dynamic programmable lighting that pulses at night (www.budapest.com) (www.hungaroproject.hu), creating a distinctive sight in the city skyline. Inside, a massive central LED “cube” scoreboard (over 12 tonnes) hangs above the floor (www.budapest.com). MVM Dome’s state-of-the-art sound, lighting and video systems (including cable-free HDTV sports lights) make it suitable for everything from large-scale concerts to sports events (www.budapest.com) (mvm-dome.hu). It essentially bridges the gap between smaller halls and the 67k-seat Puskás Arena, providing roughly triple the capacity of the old 14,500-seat Budapest Sportaréna for sports and about double its capacity for concerts (epiteszforum.hu). In short, MVM Dome serves as Hungary’s new flagship venue – a landmark for international acts, major sporting events, exhibitions and community programs alike.

Events and Programming

MVM Dome hosts a wide range of events. Its inaugural use was for sports – notably the 2022 Men’s European Handball Championship (jointly hosted by Hungary and Slovakia) with its final rounds at the Dome (infostart.hu). Since then it has become a regular home for top-level handball (women’s EHF EURO 2024 is scheduled there) as well as other sports. For example, it will co-host the 2024 Women’s EHF Euro and the 2027 Women’s Handball World Championship (eventintour.com), and it annually stages the Women’s Champions League Final4 tournament. Beyond handball, the world champion Canadian ice hockey team even played an exhibition match there in 2024 (“Spring of Hockey” vs. Hungary) (visualeurope.com). The floor can be reconfigured for athletics, boxing, motocross (a sanded SuperEnduroGP was held there) (visualeurope.com), or with a temporary pool for water sports (www.hungaroproject.hu), thanks to a built-in cooling system for ice and modular surfaces (www.hungaroproject.hu). On the entertainment side, MVM Dome’s 20,000-seat capacity attracts major music and cultural performances. International headliners regularly stop here: for example, pop stars and rock bands like Katy Perry, Depeche Mode, The Offspring, Sting and Eric Clapton have scheduled Budapest concerts at MVM Dome (concerts50.com) (concerts50.com). Recent and upcoming shows (2023–2025) include Katy Perry (Oct 27, 2025), The Offspring (Oct 31, 2025), Calum Scott (Oct 25, 2025), plus Sting (June 18, 2026) and Eric Clapton (May 2, 2026) (concerts50.com) (concerts50.com). The venue also hosts diverse acts: Hungarian favourites (e.g. Neoton, Irigy Hónaljmirigy), a cappella (Pentatonix), classical/pop crossover (André Rieu), electronic and metal shows (e.g. Electric Callboy, Powerwolf) – even children’s or family events. Esports is a growing draw too: StarLadder announced that MVM Dome will host the playoffs of the 2025 CS2 (Counter-Strike 2) Major in December 2025, calling it “one of the largest and most advanced esports venues in Europe” (starladder.com). Corporate and community events also fill the calendar (for example, Telekom’s corporate technology show used the Dome’s conference facilities (visualeurope.com)). In short, MVM Dome’s programming runs year-round, from sports championships and monster-truck rallies to mega-concerts and conventions. This versatility – combined with its size – makes it the region’s premier venue, often bringing in events that previously had no suitable home in Budapest.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for MVM Dome events are sold through official outlets in Hungary (e.g. local ticket agencies and sometimes the venue’s own box office) rather than international platforms. High-demand shows typically announce dates months in advance, with tickets going on general sale soon after. Fans should subscribe to artists’ or Sportfive (the Dome’s operator) newsletters for presales. Pricing depends on the event: local gigs or sports may be quite affordable, while international stage shows can range into the tens of thousands of Hungarian forint (e.g. major concert tickets have been listed around 70,000–130,000 HUF apiece (concerts50.com) (concerts50.com), depending on seat level). There is usually a tiered pricing scheme (floor vs. lower/upper stands vs. VIP/box seats). Make sure to purchase from authorized sellers only. For big tours, night-of-door sales are rare – popular shows often sell out. One concertgoer noted a recent sold-out Depeche Mode show at MVM Dome drew over 20,000 fans (concerts50.com), underscoring that advance booking is wise. In general, aim to book as early as possible for superstar events, and check for any available presale codes or fan club offers the moment they’re announced.

Seating and Layout

MVM Dome’s interior is a flexible bowl spanning three tiers. The centerpiece is a large open arena floor (for team sports, hiball courts, or a concert stage), surrounded by continuous lower, skybox, and upper seating levels (www.hungaroproject.hu). The entire stands form a 360° horseshoe around the floor. The lowest tier is telescopic – rows of seats that can retract on rails to open up more floor space for events such as trade shows or even to install a mobile pool (www.hungaroproject.hu). The two upper tiers are fixed concrete grandstands. In total there are about 20,000 fixed seats (mvm-dome.hu), plus 49 private skyboxes and two VIP lounges above the bowl (mvm-dome.hu). These premium areas each have bar access and private viewing. Overall, the “general” seating is broad and deep, ensuring good sight lines from nearly every angle. For concerts or single-stage events, the stage is usually placed at one side of the arena. In that set-up, central seats in front of the stage (often lower-level or first few rows of the balcony) give the best views and sound. In fact, fans regularly praise the hall’s acoustics — one gig-goer called the sound “incredible for an arena of this size” (concerts50.com). The center-hung scoreboard sits above the middle of the floor and can obscure seats directly behind a stage if it’s set up at one end; those corner or rear sections would have limited sightlines and are best avoided for a frontal show. The floor area itself is used for standing GA in many concerts, but some shows may place chairs on the floor – it varies by event. In any case, seats along the mid-level on the sides typically balance a full perspective of the performers and an enveloping audio experience. Fans with accessibility needs will find special provisions as well. Wheelchair spaces are built into the seating levels, and elevators/escalators run from the main hallways out to the upper stands (www.hungaroproject.hu). (This matches the venue’s multi-floor design – the entry foyer leads up by stairs/escalator/lifts to all seating levels (www.hungaroproject.hu).) Overall, MVM Dome’s layout was engineered for versatility: the lower stands can fully fold away to adapt to any event, and the flat floor is a reinforced industrial surface that readily accepts ice rinks, wood sports flooring, or stage rigs (www.hungaroproject.hu).

Getting There and Parking

Address: Üllői út 133-135, 1091 Budapest (www.budapest.com). The Dome is next to Népliget park in Budapest’s IX district. By public transit: The simplest route is Metro Line M3 (blue line) to the Népliget stop, which is a short walk to the northwest entrance. (moovitapp.com). Trams 1 and 1A run on Hungária Boulevard just north of the Dome (mvm-dome.hu). Bus lines like 83 and 254E (local routes) and the Leeside hotel shuttle (914A) also stop near Népliget (moovitapp.com) (mvm-dome.hu). In fact, major long-distance and regional buses use the Népliget bus terminal next door, making this a transportation hub. Visitors should note that after large events the Metro station and trams can be very crowded, but they do run late into the evening. Rideshare/taxi drop-off zones are typically arranged near the main entrance on Üllői út, though heavy traffic is common on event nights, so allow extra time. By car: There are on-site event parking lots (labeled P1A, P1B, P2, P3) immediately adjacent to the arena (mvm-dome.hu). In total these gravel lots have roughly 800 spaces for general parking plus about 150 VIP parking spots (ehfeuro.eurohandball.com). Important: you usually need to buy or reserve a parking pass for the specific event in advance (mvm-dome.hu) (they are often added on when you purchase a ticket). Expect a fee – event websites or organizers usually list the cost (often a few thousand HUF). Parking fills quickly for big shows, so if driving, plan to arrive early or consider nearby paid street parking. Overall, MVM Dome is well-served by transit for most visitors, and the on-site lot is very useful if you have a parking pass (mvm-dome.hu) (ehfeuro.eurohandball.com).

Inside the Venue

Arrival and entry: Attendees proceed through turnstiles where tickets (paper or mobile) are scanned. Security staff check bags, and per venue policy any bag larger than about 20×20×30 cm (roughly 8×8×12 inches) is prohibited (theticketfairy.zendesk.com). (Pro tip: leave large backpacks in your hotel or car.) Only small personal items should be brought in. Professional photo/video gear is not allowed inside. Seating is general unless you have a reserved seat or VIP ticket; ushers will help direct you. Entry is often about 1 – 1.5 hours before showtime, so arrive early to avoid line-ups on major event days. Food & drink: Inside the Dome you’ll find multiple concession stands and buffets serving a wide variety of snacks and meals (mvm-dome.hu) – everything from hot dishes (like burgers, sausages or pizzas) to salads and sweets (mvm-dome.hu). Soft drinks and beer are available at bar stations. Note: the venue uses a reusable-cup system for drinks. One attendee observed that each beer comes in a reusable plastic cup with a 600 HUF deposit (www.tripadvisor.ie). The deposit is refunded when you return each cup; make sure to keep your receipt token if you want your money back. (After the show, some fans have reported long lines to return these cups (www.tripadvisor.ie), so plan accordingly.) Amenities: Restrooms are plentiful on each level – reviewers have praised there being “plenty of toilets” that are clean and well-maintained (www.tripadvisor.ie). A staffed coat-check or wardrobe area is usually available for coats and large items (mvm-dome.hu). Free Wi-Fi is offered for guests throughout the building (mvm-dome.hu), so you can stay connected (and even use your mobile tickets). There are also secure bicycle racks if you bike to the show (mvm-dome.hu). Note that smoking is strictly forbidden indoors – use the designated outdoor smoking zones only (mvm-dome.hu). Merchandise and more: For most concerts and sports events, merchandise stands are set up in the lobby selling team or tour gear. You’ll also find a few kiosks selling t-shirts, hats, and souvenirs. Reach out to the staff at merchandise booths if you have any questions. Lastly, remember that photography for personal use is usually fine, but flash photography or recording video during performances is generally not allowed – watch for any announcements or staff guidance.

Nearby Amenities

Restaurants and bars: The MVM Dome area itself has a handful of pubs and fast-food joints along Üllői út and Hungária Boulevard. For example, within a few blocks you can find casual spots serving kebabs, pizza, burgers and traditional Hungarian dishes. If you want a wider choice, hop on the tram or metro for a short ride into central Budapest, where every kind of dining (from high-end to street food) is available. Many concertgoers enjoy grabbing dinner at downtown favorites (for example along Ráday utca or near the Danube) before heading to the show. If you prefer staying local, one strategy is to arrive early and dine at a nearby eatery on Népliget’s edge before walking over. Hotels: Lodging options immediately adjacent to the Dome are limited to budget business hotels or guesthouses in District IX. However, MVM Dome is only a few metro stops from major hotel clusters on the Pest side. Well-known hotels like the Mercure Budapest City Center, Corinthia Hotel (formerly Boscolo) or Danubius Hotel Arena (4 km northeast) offer more amenities and are still a short transit ride away. If you’re visiting for a concert, consider staying near a metro line – even a 10-15 minute Subway trip puts you within easy reach of the Dome. Other facilities: If you arrive very early, remember that Népliget park (next door) has walking paths and green space for a stroll. Late-night transport options include night buses (and taxis/ride-shares) – after events finish, the local 950 airport bus and other nighttime bus lines service the Népliget hub. Plan your return trip ahead of time, as cabs can be scarce immediately after big shows.

What Makes This Venue Special

MVM Dome fills a unique niche in Budapest. It is the city’s first truly “large-scale” indoor arena built in decades, and it raised the bar for production value and flexibility. Architects Skardelli and Közti created a building that literally glows: from afar the muscle-like façade and its dynamic lighting turn it into a landmark by night (www.budapest.com) (www.hungaroproject.hu). Inside, the world-class technology – from the flicker-free 2000-lux sports lighting (for HDTV broadcasts) to the massive 20m-wide LED cube display – impresses performers and audience alike (www.budapest.com) (visualeurope.com). The seating bowl (with balcony rows circling the entire floor) is uniformly banked so no matter where you sit the stage feels surrounded by the crowd. Culturally, MVM Dome finally allowed Budapest to attract acts that previously skipped the city or needed multiple nights. (Venue designer Skardelli noted that many big names had to play 2–3 nights at the old 14,500-seat arena; doubling capacity to ~20,000 lets them do one show (epiteszforum.hu).) Artists in turn appreciate the Dome’s excellent acoustics and friendly staff – one reviewer called it “by far the best large arena in Central Europe” with “incredible” sound (concerts50.com). Fans consistently praise the clean facilities and quick entry. In short, MVM Dome is special because it combines cutting-edge infrastructure with real visitor comforts. It can host anything from Olympic-style sporting events to elaborate arena concerts, and it has quickly become a crown jewel of Budapest’s event scene. Both locals and visiting acts often cite its reliable performance – whether in stagecraft or sightlines – as making every event memorable. Ultimately, it’s the combination of sheer scale and modern amenities that sets MVM Dome apart. It has already hosted many “firsts” for Hungary (top international sports finals, record-breaking concerts), and its presence has raised expectations for production values at events. For communities, it means big touring acts and competitions now stop in Budapest; for audiences, it means one-stop access to world-class entertainment – all under one very spectacular roof.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: MVM Dome is fully accessible. Ramps and elevators connect all levels, and there are designated wheelchair seats with good sightlines. Accessible restrooms are available on each level. Guests with disabilities should specify seating needs when booking, and event staff will assist with entry or navigation. The venue’s main entrances are spacious, and signage is clear. If you require special assistance (hearing impaired assistive devices, etc.), check ahead with the event organizer. What to bring: Bring only small bags or personal items – any bag over about 20×20×30 cm will be turned away (theticketfairy.zendesk.com). Small purses, phone cameras and umbrellas (closed) are fine. Remember your tickets (printed or on your phone) and ID if needed. Earplugs are a good idea for very loud concerts. On a cold day, a coat is fine but carryable – there is often a coat check for a small fee (mvm-dome.hu). Dress is casual – most people wear jeans or team/ band shirts. If the event might run late, bring a sweater or jacket (little can be left unattended in the hall). Common rules: Do not attempt professional photos or video recording (and never film performers without permission). Flash photography is usually prohibited once a show starts. Smoking is only allowed in outside pits, so plan smoke breaks accordingly (mvm-dome.hu). Follow staff instructions at all times. One practical tip: drinks come in reusable cups for a deposit (around 600 HUF each (www.tripadvisor.ie)). Keep your cup “token” if you want your deposit back – otherwise you can swap cups for tokens at the end. Also, there is a recycling scheme, so throw cans/bottles in the green bins. Avoid mistakes: Don’t wait until the last minute to take the shuttle or train – the area gets busy and lines form to return cups or re-enter. If you plan to drive, pre-book your parking pass so you’re not stuck parking far away. It’s easy to overspend at concession stands – hourly events often have premium-priced food, so budget or eat beforehand if possible. Double-check prohibited items ahead of time: typically, no large water bottles (small sealed bottles ok), weapons, aerosols or drones are allowed. Plan your journey: late-night buses (e.g. 950) run from Népliget, and taxis/apps are available but can surge after concerts. Enjoying the event: Arrive at least 30–60 minutes early to find your seat and soak in the atmosphere. The interior has Wi-Fi (mvm-dome.hu), so you can meet up with friends or find updates online. Restrooms are well-signposted; one fan mentioned they were plentiful and clean (www.tripadvisor.ie). Concession lines (especially for popular drink cups) can be long during breaks, so one trick is to drink in the stands if allowed. Finally, be courteous: cheers and applause are enthusiastic, but avoid blocking others’ views. With these tips in mind, visiting MVM Dome should be smooth and enjoyable — it’s designed to make big events accessible and fun for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions