The Eddy Cortés National Gymnasium ( es, Gimnasio Nacional Eddy Cortés), better known as National Gymnasium ( es, Gimnasio Nacional), is a sports

arena An arena is a large enclosed platform, often circular or oval-shaped, designed to showcase theatre, musical performances, or sporting events. It is composed of a large open space surrounded on most or all sides by tiered seating for spectators ...

located in

La Sabana Metropolitan Park La Sabana Metropolitan Park ( es, Parque Metropolitano La Sabana) is located in downtown San José, Costa Rica. It is the country's largest and most significant urban park. ''La Sabana'' is considered "the lungs of San José" by Costa Ricans. ...

, San José,

Costa Rica Costa Rica (, ; ; literally "Rich Coast"), officially the Republic of Costa Rica ( es, República de Costa Rica), is a country in the Central American region of North America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the no ...

. Its capacity is over 4,000.

History

The gymnasium was opened on 19 February 1960. President

Mario Echandi Jiménez Mario José Echandi Jiménez (17 June 1915 – 30 July 2011) was the 33rd President of Costa Rica, serving from 1958 to 1962. As diplomat Mario Echandi was a career diplomat. Prior to his election, he had served as Costa Rica's ambassador to ...

was present at the inauguration. The arena was originally used for bullfights, and it originally did not have a roof. After being used for decades, the building fell into disrepair, as teams complained about the leaking roof, small size of the gymnasium, and worn out electrical system. Soon after, the roof was changed in 2012 and the ventilation system, electrical wiring and electronic marker control console were fixed in 2015. Today, the structure is mostly used for basketball games, gymnastics competitions, graduation ceremonies, and other events.

Concerts

Despite being used mostly as a sporting venue, Gimnasio Nacional is occasionally used for concerts. Santana's concert here on 29 September 1973 holds the distinction of the first rock concert held in Costa Rica.

References

Sports venues completed in 1960 Indoor arenas in Costa Rica Sport in San José, Costa Rica Buildings and structures in San José, Costa Rica Buildings and structures in San José Province Basketball venues in Costa Rica {{CostaRica-sports-venue-stub