Forest National

Forest National
Name	Forest National
Native name	Forest National / Vorst Nationaal
Address	Avenue Huart Hamoir 79, Vorst
City	Forest, Brussels
Country	Belgium
Capacity	8,000
Opened	1970
Renovated	2013–2017
Owner	Madison Square Garden Entertainment (2018–present)
Operator	Live Nation
Architect	Paul Bonnaire

Forest National Forest National is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the municipality of Forest, in the Brussels-Capital Region. Since its opening in 1970 it has hosted concerts, sporting events, and cultural performances by international artists and touring productions drawn from Europe, North America, and Asia. The venue has been a focal point for touring dates by acts associated with Live Nation Entertainment, AEG Presents, and major record labels including Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group.

History

Forest National was inaugurated in 1970 during a period of cultural expansion across Belgium alongside venues such as Ancienne Belgique and Forest Opera Hall (now defunct). Promoters from United Kingdom and France collaborated with Belgian impresarios to bring acts from The Rolling Stones, The Beatles-era managers, and agents linked to Bill Graham and Michael Cohl. In the 1980s and 1990s the arena hosted touring productions associated with companies like Cirque du Soleil and Eurovision-related events tied to European Broadcasting Union. The turn of the millennium saw upgrades driven by partnerships with entities such as UEFA for sports exhibitions and broadcasters including RTL Group and VRT for televised concerts. In 2018 the venue was acquired by Madison Square Garden Company interests and later integrated into Madison Square Garden Entertainment, aligning it commercially with venues such as Madison Square Garden and Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Architecture and Facilities

Designed by architect Paul Bonnaire, the building reflects late-1960s and early-1970s European arena design trends exemplified by venues like Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy and Olympia (Paris). The interior features a flexible floor plan adaptable for ice rinks, boxing rings, and theatrical stages similar to configurations used at O2 Arena (London) and Messe Düsseldorf. Technical facilities accommodate production companies familiar with audio systems from Meyer Sound Laboratories and lighting rigs from Martin Professional. Backstage amenities meet the standards of touring operators such as Front of House crews for major tours by Rolling Stones (band), Madonna, and orchestras linked to institutions like the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.

Events and Programming

Programming spans popular music tours, classical recitals, contemporary dance, and sporting exhibitions. The arena has been part of continental tours organized by promoters like Live Nation Entertainment and AEG Presents and has hosted televised gala events for broadcasters such as RTBF and VTM. It has accommodated productions from companies including Cirque du Soleil, stand-up tours by comedians represented by Goliath Management, and corporate events by multinational firms with ties to European Commission functions in Brussels. Seasonal programming has included summer festivals connected to the Rock Werchter circuit and winter concert series featuring ensembles with links to La Monnaie and Royal Flemish Opera.

Notable Performers and Moments

Over its history the venue has presented artists who toured with labels like Columbia Records, Island Records, and Atlantic Records, including headline performances by AC/DC, U2, David Bowie, Prince-era tours, and residencies by pop acts from France and Netherlands. It has also hosted pivotal recordings and live broadcasts involving producers associated with Abbey Road Studios and directors affiliated with BBC Television Centre. Sporting showcases have featured exhibitions connected to federations such as FIBA and boxing cards promoted by entities like Top Rank. The arena gained attention during benefit concerts linked to humanitarian initiatives promoted by organizations including UNICEF and Amnesty International.

Management and Ownership

Management has alternated between local Belgian promoters and international operators, reflecting trends seen with venues under Live Nation Entertainment and AEG Live management. Ownership changes included acquisition by companies tied to Madison Square Garden Company before the formation of Madison Square Garden Entertainment, placing the arena in a portfolio alongside properties like Radio City Music Hall and Chicago Theatre. Commercial partnerships have involved ticketing platforms such as Ticketmaster and sponsorship deals with brands like Heineken and Carlsberg that are prominent in Belgian and European markets.

Transportation and Access

Forest National is accessible via Brussels-South railway station connections and local transit services operated by STIB/MIVB. Visitors often use metro lines linking to Gare de Bruxelles-Midi and tram routes that serve the Forest municipality, with regional links to Brussels Airport and high-speed rail services like Thalys and Eurostar. Road access connects to the R0 (Brussels ring road) and parking arrangements reflect practices similar to other European arenas such as Ziggo Dome and Accor Arena.

Category:Music venues in Brussels Category:Indoor arenas in Belgium