Drive in Arena

Introduction

The Shlomo Group Arena—commonly known as the Drive In Arena—stands at the crossroads of Tel Aviv’s storied past and its innovative present. Built on the site of Israel’s only drive-in cinema, the arena now serves as a premier venue for sports, concerts, exhibitions, and major cultural events. Whether you are a basketball fan, concertgoer, or a visitor interested in Tel Aviv’s evolution, this comprehensive guide will help you make the most of your visit, covering historical context, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, nearby attractions, and practical tips (Cinema Treasures; Sport Palace History; Wikipedia).

From Drive-In Cinema to Modern Arena

The site’s journey began in 1973 as Israel’s only drive-in theater, a popular entertainment hub where generations of Tel Aviv residents enjoyed movies from their cars (Cinema Treasures). As urban trends shifted, the drive-in closed in 2000, paving the way for a new landmark: a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose arena that would serve the city’s rapidly growing cultural and sporting communities (Sport Palace History).

Hapoel Tel Aviv and the Need for a New Home

After the demolition of the iconic Ussishkin Arena in 2007, Hapoel Tel Aviv Basketball Club needed a new home. The Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality committed to transforming the historic drive-in site into a modern arena, both to provide a dedicated venue for the club and to create a flexible space for the city’s expanding roster of events (Wiki2).

Construction and Inauguration

Designed by Goldschmid Arditi Ben Naim, construction began in 2013 and concluded in late 2014. The first basketball game was held in January 2015, with Hapoel Tel Aviv securing a resounding victory in front of an enthusiastic crowd (Wiki2). In July 2015, Shlomo Group Ltd. acquired naming rights, officially branding the venue as the Shlomo Group Arena (Sport Palace).

Architectural Features and Facilities

• Capacity: Approximately 3,500 seats, including 300 collapsible seats for flexible configurations (Wikipedia).
• Design: Modernist architecture with glass facades, open interiors, and a color scheme reminiscent of the arena’s cinematic roots.
• Accessibility: Full wheelchair access, ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and reserved seating.
• Amenities:
  • Four spacious locker rooms and a gym for athletes
  • VIP lounges and hospitality suites
  • State-of-the-art LED cube and sound system
  • Digital information screens and high-speed Wi-Fi
  • Cashless concessions with local and international cuisine
  • Merchandise shop with team apparel and event memorabilia
  • Multi-level parking and robust public transport connections
  • Family-friendly facilities including stroller parking and changing stations
  • Rotating art exhibitions and installations by Israeli artists
• Sustainability: Recycling stations, energy-efficient lighting, and water-saving features promote eco-friendly operations.

(Time Out; Sport Palace)

Visiting Hours and Ticketing

Visiting Hours

• Event Days: Doors open approximately one hour before the scheduled start time.
• Box Office: Opens two hours before events; for general inquiries and tours, operates Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM.
• Non-Event Access: Limited. Check ahead for special open days or guided tours.

(Drive In Arena Official; Sport Palace)

Tickets and Booking

• Where to Buy: Online via Drive In Arena Official, Hapoel Tel Aviv’s website, or authorized ticketing platforms (Ticketle).
• Prices: Vary by event and seat category. Discounts available for children, seniors, and groups.
• Box Office: On-site sales are limited; advance online booking is highly recommended, especially for high-demand events.

Accessibility, Transportation, and Amenities

Accessibility

• Full compliance with Israeli accessibility standards
• Ramps, elevators, tactile indicators, and multilingual signage
• Designated seating for guests with disabilities

Transportation

• Public Transport: Served by multiple bus lines and Tel Aviv Light Rail (Red Line); easy taxi and rideshare access
• Parking: Multi-level structure for 500+ vehicles, including accessible spots; fees range from 20–40 ILS per event
• Cycling: Bike racks and city bike-share stations nearby

Food, Drink, and Retail

• Wide variety of concession stands and food stalls
• Local Israeli specialties and international fare
• Cashless payment system throughout the venue
• Merchandise and souvenir stands with team and event gear

Event Types and Visitor Experience

• Sports: Home to Hapoel Tel Aviv Basketball Club, plus volleyball, handball, tennis, and youth tournaments
• Concerts: Leading Israeli and international acts, especially active in summer
• Conferences & Exhibitions: Corporate events, festivals, and community gatherings
• Family Events: Special programming for children and families, including play zones and supervised activities

(Visit Tel Aviv; Bandsintown: Tel Aviv Events)

Nearby Attractions

Make your outing even more memorable by pairing your visit with these local highlights:

• Luna Park Tel Aviv: Family amusement park
• Ramat Aviv Mall: Shopping and dining destination
• Palmach Museum: Interactive history museum
• Eretz Israel Museum: Archaeology and history exhibits
• Yarkon Park: Green oasis for walks and recreation

(Trek Zone; Miss Tourist: Tel Aviv Itinerary)

Safety, Security, and Sustainability

• Comprehensive security: metal detectors, bag checks, CCTV, and trained personnel
• Clearly marked emergency exits and medical assistance on site
• Eco-friendly operations: recycling, energy-saving lighting, water conservation

Tips for a Great Visit

• Arrive early to enjoy the pre-event atmosphere and avoid queues
• Dress comfortably, especially during summer events
• Bring a refillable water bottle (empty on arrival)
• Use public transportation or rideshares to avoid parking delays
• Stay updated on event schedules by checking the official website or app
• Follow venue policies on cashless payments and prohibited items

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Drive In Arena visiting hours?
A: The arena is open during events, with the box office starting two hours prior to event time. For general visits and tours, hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM. Always check the official website for current schedules.

Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: Buy tickets online via official platforms or at the box office. Early booking is advisable for popular events.

Q: Is the arena accessible?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, designated seating, and accessible amenities.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally, especially for special events. Check the official website for updates.

Q: What are the transportation options?
A: The arena is accessible by Light Rail, multiple bus lines, taxis, rideshares, and bikes.

Q: Can I bring children?
A: Absolutely. The arena is family-friendly, with amenities for children and families.

Q: Are there sustainability initiatives at the arena?
A: Yes, including recycling, energy-efficient lighting, and water conservation.

Practical Information

• Address: 6 Shoshana Persitz St., Tel Aviv
• Capacity: ~3,500 seats
• Official Website: Drive In Arena Official
• Contact: See official website for phone/email

Visuals and Media

For a richer experience, browse high-quality images, interactive maps, and virtual tours on the arena’s official site and social media channels. Use alt tags like “Shlomo Group Arena Tel Aviv seating area” to enhance accessibility and search visibility.

Useful Links

• Shlomo Group Arena Official Website
• Drive In Arena Official Site
• Tickets and Event Calendar
• Ticketle Platform
• Tel Aviv Public Transport Information
• Visit Tel Aviv
• Trek Zone
• Time Out Israel
• Miss Tourist: Tel Aviv Itinerary
• Bandsintown: Tel Aviv Events