Source: Alberto Varela
With an average of 160 events and 1 million visitors each year, Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC) is the place in Bilbao, Spain to see concerts and visit exhibitions. Make sure you check their event calendar for upcoming events and shows to make your trip to Spain an unforgettable experience.
1. Location
Located just 10 minutes from the heart of Bilbao, the Exhibition Centre is in a convenient central location accessible by bus, train, road and air. The centre is just 13km from the Bilbao International Airport which offers over 600 flight each week from many European countries. You can also get to Bilbao from any major Spanish city. Once you’ve landed you can take the 20 minute A3247 Bilbao-Airport bus trip to the centre of Bilbao. It’s then just a short 10 minute trip on the Metro to the Exhibition Centre. If you choose to arrive by car, the centre has 4,000 undercover parking spaces for a cost maximum cost of 15 Euros per day.
Information
- Name: Bilbao Exhibition Centre
- Address: Ronda de Azkue, 1, 48902 Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
- Phone: +34 944 04 00 00
- Website: bilbaoexhibitioncentre.com
2. Events
With 6 exhibition halls and 150,00m2 of exhibition space, the Bilbao Exhibition Centre caters to events of all sizes.
The centre’s flexible spaces can adapt to any size event from intimate meetings of just 10 people to conferences of more than 18,000 people.
3. Special discounts
Attending certain events entitles you to be part of the BEC On! program. By presenting your BEC On! access card you can enjoy gifts and discounts when shopping or dining at dozens of BEC On! partners across Bilbao.
4. Catering
You don’t need to leave the BEC to have a great meal as there are 2 restaurants onsite. The Tower BEC Restaurant is an a la carte venue and is open to the public. If you feel like a more casual dining experience the Altairu cafeteria offers great food at a reasonable price. BEC’s catering company, Iruna Catering, can also provide private catering for your event or exhibition. Iruna can provide everything from a simple morning tea to three course meals for 3,500 people.
5. Solar power
One of Bilbao’s largest photovoltaic solar energy parks has been installed on the roof of the Bilbao Exhibition Centre. The 1,000 square metre energy park consists of 628 solar panels and puts out an average of 100kw.
6. BEC Tower
The centre’s 98 metre tall tower was the tallest building in the region until 2009 when the honour of tallest building went to the Torre Iberdrola. The Tower BEC Restaurant and 6,500 square metres of office space is located in the tower.
7. Bizkaia Arena
The Bizkaia Arena is Spain’s largest multipurpose space. It can accommodate up to 26,000 people for concerts and up to 18,600 for indoor sporting matches. The Arena regularly hold international basketball matches and has held the Bilbao Basket basketball club’s professional tournaments. It has also hosted music superstars such as Il Divo, The Who, Bryan Adams and Rammstein.
8. Metro Bilbao
To cater for large events, such as a concert at the Bizkaia Arena, Metro Bilbao often puts on extra trains and closes later than usual. Make sure you check to see if increased services are running when you’re visiting the BEC.
9. Accommodation
The 4 star Novotel Bilbao Exhibition Centre Hotel is across the road from the BEC. The hotel is pet friendly and boasts 203 rooms. You can relax after a busy day at the BEC by taking advantage of the hotel’s outdoor pool, solarium, a kid’s playground, free WIFI and Mediterranean restaurant.
Have a great trip and travel.
Information
- Address: Rio Castanos, 2, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
- Phone:+34 944 18 47 00
- Website: www.novotel.com
10. Shopping
When it’s time for some retail therapy, visit the fourth largest shopping centre in Spain just across the road from BEC. The Mega Park complex houses 61 stores plus iconic shops such as Ikea, Decathlon and El Corte Ingles. The complex features an IMAX cinema, gym and several shops and bars. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day at a convention.
Have a good trip and travel!
