Arena
Below you’ll find the most important and useful information for visiting the Arena. If you can’t find the answer here, please check our FAQ section for further details
History
László Papp, Three-Time Olympic Champion
The Papp László Budapest Sportaréna has borne the name of one of Hungary’s greatest sports legends since May 28, 2004. László Papp (1926–2003) was a three-time Olympic champion boxer and an outstanding figure in Hungarian sports history, whose achievements brought international recognition to Hungary.
László Papp was born on March 25, 1926, in Budapest. As a child, he proved talented in several areas: his father had him trained as a violinist, and he also achieved success in football. After World War II, at the age of 19, he returned to boxing, where his exceptional talent quickly became evident.
His first coach, István Fehér, and later his mentor, Zsigmond Adler, played decisive roles in his career. He fought his first matches abroad, where he achieved a series of victories, most often by knockout. On October 6, 1945, he stepped into the ring representing Budapesti Vasutas Sport Club during an unexpected opportunity, and his opponent surrendered in the second round — this victory marked the beginning of his path toward world fame.
Throughout his career, he fought approximately 300 matches, winning the majority by knockout or by a dominant decision on points. With his three Olympic gold medals, he permanently inscribed his name in the history of boxing and Hungarian sport.
The Arena regularly honors his memory through commemorations, emphasizing the legacy László Papp left to Hungarian sport.
The History of the Papp László Budapest Sportaréna
The history of the Budapest Sportaréna is closely connected to the former Budapest Sportcsarnok, which was almost completely destroyed in a tragic fire in December 1999. At the time, the building was one of Hungary’s most important indoor sports and event venues, which led to the swift decision to construct a new, modern sports and event complex.
The construction of the new facility was awarded to the internationally renowned construction company Bouygues. The distinctive pebble-shaped building was designed by the Hungarian architectural firm KÖZTI in cooperation with Sports Concepts.
Construction began on June 30, 2001. Approximately 50,000 tons of concrete, 2,300 tons of steel structure, and more than 11 million screws were used in the monumental complex. The total weight of the building approaches the combined weight of the Elizabeth Bridge and the Liberty Bridge, and its pedestrian area features the largest continuous granite surface in Hungary.
The Papp László Budapest Sportaréna was officially inaugurated on March 13, 2003. The opening events were followed by large-scale musical programs, already signaling that the Arena would become a premier venue not only for sporting events, but also for concerts, cultural programs, and international events.
Since then, the facility has operated as one of Hungary’s most important multifunctional event centers, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Getting There
The Papp László Budapest Sportaréna is quickly and conveniently accessible by public transportation. Several metro, tram, bus, and trolleybus lines stop in the immediate vicinity of the Arena, making it easily reachable from any part of the city.
- Metro line M2 – Puskás Ferenc Stadion station
- Tram line 1 – Puskás Ferenc Stadion stop
- Bus lines: 95, 130, 195
- Night buses: 901, 908, 931, 931A, 956, 990
- Trolleybus lines: 75, 77, 80
Thanks to the extensive public transport network, reaching the Budapest Arena is simple and easy to plan even during major events.
The Papp László Budapest Sportaréna is easily and quickly accessible by public transportation from Budapest’s main transport hubs:
- Déli Railway Station: Directly via Metro line M2 to Puskás Ferenc Stadion station.
- Nyugati Railway Station: Take Metro line M3 to Deák Ferenc tér, then transfer to Metro line M2 to Puskás Ferenc Stadion station.
- Keleti Railway Station: Directly via Metro line M2 to Puskás Ferenc Stadion station.
- Népliget Bus Station: Tram line 1 to Kerepesi út stop.
- Árpád híd Bus Station: Tram line 1 to Kerepesi út stop.
- Stadion Bus Terminal: The Arena is reachable on foot in less than one minute.
- Etele tér Bus Station: Take bus 103 to Népliget, then tram line 1 to Kerepesi út stop, or use the Metro connections of the 7 bus family.
- Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport: Approximately 20–25 minutes by taxi, or take the airport BKK service to Metro line M3, then transfer at Népliget to tram line 1 to Kerepesi út stop.
Thanks to its excellent transport connections, the Arena can be reached quickly and comfortably from any part of the city.
We would like to inform our visitors that the owner of the parking garage is currently carrying out renovation works, which may involve dust and other debris. Parking next to the construction area is recommended at your own risk only.
For those arriving by car, a 1,149-space parking garage is available on the premises of the Papp László Budapest Sportaréna. Access is from Ifjúság útja.
Access by Car
Ifjúság útja can be reached from the following main routes:
Stefánia út
Kerepesi út
Dózsa György út
For visitors arriving from outside Budapest, the Arena can be accessed from the direction of Hungária körút after leaving the main motorways.
GPS coordinates: N 47.50298; E 19.10452
Parking Fees
- During events: HUF 3,000 per occasion
- Parking tickets can be purchased in advance on the webpage of the given event.
Parking Outside Event Times
Outside event periods, the parking garage is also available on an hourly basis, and a daytime pass can be purchased.
- Daytime pass: Valid on weekdays between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM
Pass fee: HUF 17,000 gross / month
Further Information
- Mobile: +36 20 469 6047
- Phone: +36 1 422 2650
- E-mail: parkolo@budapestarena.hu
1143 Budapest, Stefánia út 2.
Directions
For guests with reduced mobility, the forecourt (deck) of the Budapest Arena is accessible without barriers, from where the main entrance can be reached comfortably.
Visitors arriving by car can access the forecourt level via the elevators located in stairwells 2 and 3 of the parking garage.
For guests arriving by public transportation, barrier-free access is available at the Hungária körút exit of the metro station.
We would like to inform metro passengers that an elevator is available at the Ifjúság útja exit, from where the accessible ramp can be reached by crossing toward Hungária körút.
The Arena provides designated spaces for visitors arriving in wheelchairs. For details and conditions of use, please contact us via the Contact page.
Detailed information regarding accessibility is also available on the Access4You platform.
Parking
We would like to inform our visitors that the owner of the parking garage is currently carrying out renovation works, which may involve dust and other debris. Parking next to the construction area is recommended at your own risk only.
For those arriving by car, a 1,149-space parking garage is available on the premises of the Papp László Budapest Sportaréna. Access is from Ifjúság útja.
Access by Car
Ifjúság útja can be reached from the following main routes:
Stefánia út
Kerepesi út
Dózsa György út
For visitors arriving from outside Budapest, the Arena can be accessed from the direction of Hungária körút after leaving the main motorways.
GPS coordinates: N 47.50298; E 19.10452
Parking Fees
- During events: HUF 3,000 per occasion
- Parking tickets can be purchased in advance on the webpage of the given event.
Parking Outside Event Times
Outside event periods, the parking garage is also available on an hourly basis, and a daytime pass can be purchased.
- Daytime pass: Valid on weekdays between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM
Pass fee: HUF 17,000 gross / month
Further Information
- Mobile: +36 20 469 6047
- Phone: +36 1 422 2650
- E-mail: parkolo@budapestarena.hu
1143 Budapest, Stefánia út 2.
Útvonalterv
Buffet
We use reusable cups at the concession stands — if you already have a token, please bring it with you!
Rules
The operator of the Papp László Budapest Sportaréna (hereinafter: BudapestArena) is Budapesti Sportcsarnok Üzemeltető Kft. (hereinafter: the Company).
Payment at the buffet counters of BudapestArena is possible by bank or credit card only.
Our performances and events may be attended with a valid ticket. The only exception is free events.
Tickets entitle the holder to a single entry, unless otherwise specified by the event organizer. Tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged for another ticket, whether purchased in person or online. Refunds are provided only in the case of a cancelled event, in the manner, at the place, and within the time frame specified by the organizer.
All events are attended at the visitor’s own risk.
Guests acknowledge that the entire area of BudapestArena is private property (including the parking garage and the open area in front of the building, the so-called “deck”).
Instructions given by BudapestArena staff are binding for guests.
Please note that certain events may use smoke machines, lasers, pyrotechnic devices, or other effects that may disturb peace and quiet. We cannot assume responsibility for such effects.
BudapestArena is accessible for guests with reduced mobility. Wheelchair users may request tickets for themselves and their companion through the primary ticket provider of the given event. Providing a companion is the responsibility of the guest with reduced mobility. The number of accessible seats is limited and may only be occupied with tickets designated for those seats.
Bags or packages larger than A4 size are not permitted inside the Arena. Such items must be placed in the cloakroom storage facility for a fee, located in the ticket office building.
Use of the cloakroom is recommended. If you arrive with valuable belongings that you prefer not to leave in the cloakroom, a valuables storage service is available at the entrances. Cloakrooms and storage facilities remain open for 30 minutes after the event ends. The cloakroom service is subject to a fee. Items not collected will be treated as lost property.
Lost property is handled in accordance with applicable legislation.
Inquiries about lost items can be made on working days between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM at +36 1 422 2600.
BudapestArena assumes no responsibility for valuables left unattended on the premises.
BudapestArena has a parking garage, which may be used for a fee.
Persons with reduced mobility may use the parking garage free of charge, provided that upon entry they pay the event parking fee and reclaim it upon exit from parking staff by presenting their disability ID and the receipt received at entry.
The parking garage is used at the visitor’s own risk.
Attendance at performances intended for adults is not recommended for children under primary school age (under 6 years old). Even at events specifically intended for children, please observe the recommended age guidelines. If a child attending a concert disrupts other guests through behavior or noise, hostesses may request the child and their companion to leave the hall.
Staff may request any spectator to leave if they disturb the performance or its enjoyment through talking or loud behavior. The use of mobile phones and other devices that disturb the event is not permitted during performances. If a visitor fails to cease using such devices after being warned, security staff may request the guest to leave the event hall. At the express request of the Arena’s security director, security personnel may escort disruptive individuals out of the venue and, if necessary, initiate police action.
Image and sound recordings may be made throughout the entire area of BudapestArena, in which any visitor may appear, but no claims may be made against the Company, the organizers, the recording party, or its authorized users.
Any form of audio or video recording at events is prohibited, including recordings made with mobile phones. Failure to comply may result in copyright and related rights violations. If a visitor continues recording despite a warning from the hostess staff, security personnel may request the guest to leave BudapestArena.
Persons visibly under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not permitted to attend programs, even with a valid ticket. Security staff are authorized to require such visitors to leave the building.
It is prohibited to bring into BudapestArena:
Animals (except guide dogs), food or beverages, weapons or objects resembling weapons, any item or substance dangerous to life, physical safety, health, or public security, bicycles, scooters, small motor vehicles, roller skates, or skateboards.
The entire BudapestArena building is non-smoking. Smoking is permitted only in designated areas.
Guests must use BudapestArena facilities properly, maintain cleanliness, and protect and appropriately handle equipment, furnishings, and the building itself.
In the event of an emergency (e.g., natural disaster, fire, bomb threat, etc.), visitors must strictly follow the instructions of BudapestArena staff and comply with the building’s evacuation plan.
The above constitute the House Rules. Visitors who violate these rules may, after a warning, be temporarily or permanently banned from the building, and official proceedings may be initiated against them. Any damage resulting from violation of the House Rules is the responsibility of the person who committed the violation or the person responsible for them. If the violation also constitutes a legal offense, the responsible person shall bear the legal consequences and any applicable sanctions.
Compliance with the House Rules is in our shared interest. We kindly request the cooperation of our esteemed guests. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation — we look forward to welcoming you to our events!
Payment
The vast majority of concession stands operating within the Budapest Arena function cash-free, ensuring faster and more convenient service during events.
Guests who wish to pay in cash may do so exclusively at Buffet No. 10, at a designated sales point.
Please note that there is no ATM inside the Budapest Arena building. Therefore, we recommend that you ensure you have an appropriate payment method before arrival. If cash withdrawal is necessary, nearby ATMs can be found using the OTP Bank ATM locator.
For information regarding the exact location of concession stands, staff at the information desk near the main entrance will be happy to assist you.
Frequently asked questions
The site includes answers to frequently asked questions about mobile apps, ticket offices, parking, and more.