About Trixxo Arena Hasselt

From Grenslandhallen to Park H

The Early Years

The Grenslandhallen exhibition complex officially opened on May 13, 1983. The venue was developed at the request of Unizo Hasselt and built by the City of Hasselt to provide significant economic and tourism value to the region. Initially, the complex consisted of one hall (Hall 4), an entrance foyer, and a hexagon-shaped Esplanade with an open central courtyard. Hall 5, including a restaurant, was added later.The Esplanade was designed as a central square that would eventually provide access to five adjacent halls. The Hexagon—a corridor surrounding the Esplanade—connected the different spaces. When the Esplanade was later covered, it also became available for hosting events. In the early years, Unizo managed the halls itself. However, growing success called for a more professional approach, leading to the creation of the non-profit organization Grenslandhallen. Both the City of Hasselt and Unizo each held 50% of the board positions.

2002–2005: Expansion with the Congress Theatre, Trixxo Arena and Plopsa Indoor

In 2000, a study highlighted the need for expansion and modernization. To attract larger trade shows, more exhibition space was required. The plans for additional halls were abandoned and, in September 2001, a new project was launched to transform Hall 4 into a Congress Theatre.In 2002, in collaboration with Studio 100, a stage tower was added to Hall 4, together with meeting rooms and dressing rooms. The hall itself received modular grandstands. From then on, the site could host not only exhibitions but also conferences, musicals, and concerts.Construction of the impressive Trixxo Arena, together with the Plaza, Studio, and Artists’ Foyer, began in March 2004. An additional parking area was also included in the plans. Just six months later, on September 21, 2004, the Trixxo Arena (13,600 m²) officially opened in the presence of Kim Clijsters and Martina Hingis.Designed as a state-of-the-art multifunctional venue, it became the home of major concerts, sporting events, and large exhibitions. The new hall transformed the entire Grenslandhallen site into a leading destination for events, trade shows, and conferences, with spaces that could be adapted to a wide variety of formats.The next successful addition was Plopsa Indoor, officially opened on December 22, 2005. Developed by Studio 100, it further strengthened the attraction of the site. Construction began on April 29, 2005, and its development also allowed for completion of the central entrance area, ensuring a smooth welcome for all visitors.With the addition of Trixxo Arena and Plopsa Indoor, Grenslandhallen could offer visitors an extensive entertainment portfolio. The venue also launched several successful in-house events, including Het Schlagerfestival and I Love The 90s.

2012: A New Operator

Despite its success and strong reputation, the complex faced financial challenges. The operating model was no longer aligned with modern requirements, and a decision was made to privatize operations.In September 2011, Grenslandhallen and the City of Hasselt announced that Antwerps Sportpaleis nv (now be•at) would take over the operation and day-to-day management of the site as of January 1, 2012, excluding Studio 100’s Plopsa Indoor. As part of the transition, Unizo Hasselt transferred all its interests to the city.On January 1, 2012, Antwerps Sportpaleis nv officially took over the staff, movable assets, and existing agreements. A 27-year lease agreement was concluded, running until January 22, 2039.

2012: Transformation of Trixxo Arena

During the summer of 2012, the first phase of extensive renovations began. Trixxo Arena was transformed from a largely empty hall into a comfortable and efficient event venue. Permanent concrete grandstands and several movable tribunes created a more intimate atmosphere. Additional restrooms, a permanent coat check, new bars, and a VIP area were also added.The renovation represented an investment of more than €7 million. Today, Trixxo Arena can host between 4,000 and 18,000 visitors, depending on the event configuration.

2013: Acoustic Improvements, New Trixxo Theater and The Venue

A second renovation phase started in the summer of 2013. One major project focused on reducing sound transmission to the surrounding area. The roof was reinforced to better contain low-frequency sound. Following completion of the works in August 2013, the venue became suitable for virtually every type of event while complying with Flemish sound regulations. The acoustic improvements cost nearly €1.6 million.Another major change was the transformation of the former Congress Theatre into the independent Trixxo Theater, designed to host smaller concerts and performances. With a capacity of up to 3,000 visitors, it remains unique in the province of Limburg.Part of Hall 4 was demolished and replaced by a new 2,300 m² section featuring fixed seating. The original stage tower was preserved, while new dressing rooms, sanitary facilities, and stairwells were added. A separate entrance allows Trixxo Theater to operate independently from the rest of the site. be•at invested approximately €4 million in the project.That same summer, Club Entertainment bvba—of which be•at is a shareholder—began construction of The Venue, which officially opened on December 14, 2013. Hall 5 was completely transformed into Club Versuz. Together with Restaurant Crudo, outdoor terraces, and Area V (opened March 1, 2014), The Venue covers 3,100 m² and can welcome more than 3,000 visitors. The investment totaled approximately €7 million.

2017: Jumpsquare

On October 20, 2017, Jumpsquare, the largest indoor trampoline park in the Benelux at the time, opened in the former Studio building. Jumpsquare invested €1 million in the project.

2018: Expo Hasselt and Park H

In April 2018, the renovation of the Esplanade and Hexagon began as the final stage of the investment program launched when the site was taken over in 2012.On September 19, 2018, the new Expo Hasselt opened. The venue integrated the former Hexagon, Hall 4, Plaza, and Passage into one modern exhibition and event space. Large events continue to take place in Trixxo Arena, while smaller exhibitions are hosted in Expo Hasselt.On September 14, 2018, the Grenslandhallen site was officially rebranded as Park H. The long-term vision is to transform the site into a landscape and experience park featuring improved wayfinding, a stronger identity, and a welcoming urban event square designed as a gathering place for visitors of all ages.