CEV EuroVolley 2026
Hosts
- Dates: 09 – 26 September 2026
- Host Venues: PalaItalia Santa Giulia, Modena, Napoli, Torino
- Teams: 24
- Matches 76
PalaItalia Santa Giulia, Milan
The PalaItalia Santa Giulia, also known as the Arena Milano Santa Giulia, is a cutting-edge, multifunctional indoor arena currently under construction in Milan’s Santa Giulia district.
Designed by David Chipperfield in collaboration with engineering firm Arup, it will be capable of seating up to 16,000 spectators.
Covering roughly 77,000 square metres across eight levels, the arena is built to accommodate a variety of events: ice hockey (including during the 2026 Winter Olympics), concerts, shows, and more.
Outside, there will be a plaza of over 10,000 m² for open-air performances and gatherings.
A large parking facility for approximately 2,750 vehicles is planned to serve the venue.
Sustainability is a major focus: the project includes green building techniques, photovoltaic energy, and designs meant to reduce CO₂ emissions.
The arena is expected to open in autumn 2025, in time for preparations ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
PalaPanini, Modena
The PalaPanini, officially known as the Palasport Giuseppe Panini, is one of Italy’s most iconic indoor sports arenas, located in Modena. Opened in 1985, it is named after Giuseppe Panini, founder of the famous Panini sticker company and a great supporter of Italian volleyball. The arena is the home of Modena Volley, one of the most successful and historic volleyball clubs in Europe.
With a capacity of around 5,000 spectators, the PalaPanini offers an intense and passionate atmosphere during matches, making it a true temple of Italian volleyball. Over the years, it has hosted national and international competitions, concerts, and cultural events, becoming a central hub for sports and entertainment in Modena.
Renowned for its excellent acoustics and modern facilities, the PalaPanini is more than just a sports venue — it is a symbol of Modena’s sporting tradition, community pride, and love for volleyball.
Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples
Piazza del Plebiscito is the grand and historic square at the heart of Naples, surrounded by monumental buildings such as the Royal Palace and the Church of San Francesco di Paola. Often called the city’s “living room,” it is a central gathering place for locals and tourists alike, hosting cultural events, concerts, and celebrations. Its wide-open space and elegant architecture make it one of the most iconic landmarks in Napoli, reflecting the city’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere.
For the opening match of the 2026 Men’s European Volleyball Championship, Piazza del Plebiscito will be transformed into a spectacular arena. A temporary playing court and seating for 6,500 spectators will be installed, allowing fans to experience world-class volleyball in the heart of the city. This unique setup will combine the excitement of international sport with the beauty of one of Naples’ most famous landmarks, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for athletes and spectators alike. The event highlights the ability of the city of Napoli to blend history, culture, and modern entertainment in a remarkable way.
PalaVela, Torino
The PalaVela, located in Turin, is one of Italy’s most distinctive and elegant indoor arenas. Originally designed in 1961 by architect Franco Levi for the centenary of Italian unification, the structure is renowned for its unique sail-shaped roof, which inspired its name (“Vela” means “sail” in Italian). Completely renovated for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, the PalaVela hosted figure skating and short-track competitions, showcasing its modern design and versatility to the world.
Today, the arena is a multipurpose venue that accommodates a wide range of events, including sports competitions, concerts, exhibitions, and ice shows. With a capacity of about 9,000 spectators, it combines cutting-edge technology with architectural beauty.
The PalaVela stands as a symbol of Turin’s ability to blend tradition and innovation, reflecting the city’s dynamic spirit and its deep connection to both culture and sport on an international level.
CEV EuroVolley 2026
Hosts
- Dates: 09 – 26 September 2026
- Host City: Sofia
- Teams: 24
- Matches 76
Arena 8888, Sofia
Arena Sofia – Bulgaria’s Premier Indoor Venue for World-Class Sports and
Entertainment
Arena Sofia, formerly known as Arena Armeec, is the largest and most
versatile indoor arena in Bulgaria. Located in the heart of the capital,
the venue opened its doors in July 2011 and quickly established itself
as the country’s go-to destination for elite sporting events and
international music performances.
With a seating capacity of over 15,000 for sports events and up to
17,900 for concerts, Arena Sofia is built to meet the highest standards
of global federations and touring productions. The arena has hosted
numerous international competitions and iconic cultural moments,
attracting thousands of fans from Bulgaria and beyond.
One of the venue’s major highlights was the CEV EuroVolley 2015 Men’s
Championship, where it hosted the final stages of the tournament in
front of sold-out crowds and a charged atmosphere that showcased the
country’s passion for volleyball.
Over the years, global music stars have also taken the stage at Arena
Sofia, including Jean-Michel Jarre, Sade, Eros Ramazzotti, Amorphis, and
Enrique Iglesias – bringing world-class entertainment to Bulgarian
audiences.
Modern, multifunctional and steeped in sporting and cultural significance, Arena Sofia remains a symbol of Bulgaria’s commitment to 
excellence in both athletics and the arts.
CEV EuroVolley 2026
Hosts
- Dates: 09 – 26 September 2026
- Host City: Tampere
- Teams: 24
- Matches 76
Nokia Arena, Tampere
Nokia Arena, opened in December 2021, is a state-of-the-art multipurpose arena. In addition to being home to two of Finland’s most legendary ice hockey clubs, its calendar is packed of major events in the fields of sports, music, culture and entertainment. With almost unmatched technological capabilities, a central location in Finland, and a maximum capacity of 15.500, the arena has what it takes to work with hallmark events and artists.
In just four years of operation, Nokia Arena has hosted The IHHF Ice Hockey World Championships twice, the NHL Global Series twice, as well as EuroBasket 2025. Starting from 2026, the arena is confirmed to host EuroVolley 2026, the Floorball World Championships 2026 and the Figure Skating World Championships 2027. Beyond sports, superstars like Robbie Williams, Iron Maiden, Queen + Adam Lambert, Sting, Rod Stewart, and Ghost have taken the Nokia Arena stage to a sold-out audience.
CEV EuroVolley 2026
Hosts
- Dates: 09 – 26 September 2026
- Host City: Cluj-Napoca
- Teams: 24
- Matches 76
Polyvalent Hall BT Arena, Cluj-Napoca
The Polyvalent Hall BT Arena is the most modern facility in Romania dedicated to hosting indoor sports and artistic events, unique in the country for its versatility. With a capacity of 10,000 seats, the venue can host any type of event at a high level of quality and with a distinctive dynamism. The accessibility and auxiliary facilities of the main hall offer participants unique experiences, regardless of the type of event they attend. From European Gymnastics Championships, EuroBasket, or CEV EuroVolley to international concerts and large-scale events such as UNTOLD, the venue has gathered over 8 million spectators in its 11 years of activity.