The Dominican Republic has officially opened the newly renovated Arena Banreservas Virgilio Travieso Soto, completing a major modernization of Santo Domingo’s historic Palace of Sports into one of the Caribbean’s most advanced multipurpose arenas. President Luis Abinader led the inauguration ceremony, describing the facility as one of the region’s premier sports venues and saying it now meets the standards required to host NBA games.
During the event, Abinader said the government is open to pursuing future NBA exhibition games or other international basketball events in the Dominican Republic. He credited Banreservas and the Ministry of Sports for transforming the long-standing venue into a modern arena capable of attracting major sporting and entertainment events while supporting the development of Dominican sports.
A World-Class Facility for Sports and Entertainment
The renovation covers more than 11,200 square meters across three levels and increases the arena’s capacity to 8,270 spectators. The project introduced a FIBA-certified hardwood court, FIBA Level 1 basketball systems, a high-definition 360-degree center-hung LED scoreboard, perimeter displays, a professional sound system, and broadcast-quality lighting designed for international television productions.
The upgraded arena also features fixed and retractable seating, accessible restrooms, seven premium suites, including a dedicated media suite, Presidential and VIP lounges, and a fully equipped press room to support international sporting events and large-scale productions.
Designed for Athletes and International Competition
The facility includes four recovery rooms, four team locker rooms, four individual referee locker rooms, coaches’ offices, and a fully equipped medical room. Administrative offices, upgraded electrical systems, monitoring facilities, and operational support areas were also incorporated to improve efficiency during major events.
A new climate control system with 1,200 tons of cooling capacity, powered by three 400-ton chillers and 20 air-handling units, was installed to provide a comfortable environment for athletes, performers, and spectators throughout the year.
Banreservas Highlights Long-Term Commitment to Dominican Sports
During the inauguration, Leonardo Aguilera, executive president of Banreservas, described the renovation as both a tribute to Dominican sports history and an investment in its future. He said the arena honors the legacy of Virgilio Travieso Soto, one of the country’s most celebrated sports figures, while creating a venue capable of hosting elite competitions and world-class entertainment.
Aguilera also noted that this marks the first time in the Dominican Republic that a company has attached its name to a major sports venue, following a naming-rights model commonly seen in larger international sports markets.
Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz said the renovation complies with international standards, positioning the arena among the Caribbean’s most modern sports facilities and expanding the country’s ability to attract high-profile events.
First Major Test Scheduled for FIBA World Cup Qualifiers
The arena’s first international competitions are scheduled for July 3 and July 6, when the Dominican Republic’s national basketball team will host Nicaragua and the United States during the third qualifying window for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027.
Those games will serve as the first major showcase for the renovated venue, which was designed to accommodate elite basketball competitions, concerts, cultural performances, and other international events. The project reflects the Dominican government’s broader effort, together with Banreservas, to strengthen sports infrastructure, support local athletes, and position the country as a destination for major sporting and entertainment events.