Hamalir: First Steps and Inauguration
Hamalir was opened in 1983 and after having operated for two years, it was closed in 1985 because of a fire, which caused many damages. The building needed renovation, which lasted two years ending in 1987. At the end of 1987 the complex reopened its doors to welcome a new stretch of concerts and sport events.
The building was projected by Armstateproject. Among people who have contributed to the building and have played an irreplaceable role in the founding of the complex are USSR National architect Korjun Akoyan, the ASSR National architect Arthur Tarhanyan, the ASSR Honored architects Hrachya Pogosyan, Spartak Khachikyan, Gurgen Musheghyan, engineers Igor Tsaturyan, Grigor Azizyan, Mikael Aharonyan and sculptor Ferdinant Arakelyan, in particular.
The building of the complex represents unique architecture and features most interesting solutions. It appears like a diamond on Tsitsernakaberd Hill, which always captures with its appearance. As they say, the more the diamond is cut the more it sparkles. Such is the case with this complex. Its originality was appreciated and praised even back in the Soviet Union era, and in 1987 the group that spared no effort to make the building as perfect as possible was awarded a higher prize of the country – the State award of USSR for the original architecture and planning solutions.
Complex is Named Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex
On October 27, 1999 the Armenian National Assembly was attacked. This attack is more known as the 1999 Armenian Parliament shooting. As a result, eight people died, out of which seven were high ranking officials and one was a journalist. Among the victims was one of the most loved Armenian officials, the former speaker of the Armenian National Assembly Karen Demirchyan. Shortly after he was murdered the complex was named Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex in his honor, because he was the person to greatly contribute to the construction and the renovation of the complex.
Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex in the 21st Century: Second Inauguration
In 2005, more precisely on October 9 the complex was sold for $ 5.7 million to BAMO Holding, a Russian organization. Back then then the RA President was Robert Qocharian, who agreed to sell the building only on the stipulation that the name of the complex not be changed and the complex preserve its functional meaning. They agreed upon this. Afterward, a $10 million investment was envisaged for the next three years.
The renovation, which lasted three years and cost $42 million, turned the concert into a modern sport and concert arena.
October 31, 2008 is marked as the day and year when the complex was inaugurated for the second time. It was a real ceremony with the presence and participation of RA third and current President Serge Sarkisian, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and Karen Demirchyan’s son and daughter. The complex was full of people who were amazed by what the complex had turned into at the same time preserving the original spirit. The ceremony featured concerts and ice skating shows. Russian figure skater Evgeny Plushenko made the shows even more impressive and memorable for the spectators.
Hamalir: Design and Halls
As you look at the building from above the first thing that comes to mind is the idea of a bird, which seems to be trying to open its wings and fly high above the Armenian mountains. The building includes a turning tribune, which can receive up to 1200 people. It can also connect the two big halls revealing additional seating.
On the whole, the Complex has five halls; foyer, sports hall, concert hall, Hayastan conference hall and Argishti hall.
Foyer – The very first thing that catches the eye as you enter the complex is definitely the foyer, which covers an area of 1300 square meters. Many corporative parties, exhibitions and presentations are being frequently organized there.
Sports Hall – Sports Hall or the Big Hall covers an area of 3785 square meters and can receive up to 7000 people. Note that the turning tribune can provide with additional 1008 seats, which is awesome, especially when that process is carried out within a period of a few minutes. Various shows, concerts and sport activities are held there.
The Big Hall also includes an ice arena, which is known as “Ice Queen.” It covers an area of 1800 square meters and is open all year round for everyone. An hour on the ice costs 2000 dram. Visitors are also required to present their ID cards.
Notably, in 2008 a figure skating school after Evgeni Plushenko was opened, and hopefully, the school teachers and instructors will reap the fruits of their hard work in the years to come.
Concert Hall – Concert Hall or the Small Hall covers 1275 square meters and can receive 2000 people. It is equipped with the latest audio and light systems. In general, the hall hosts small concerts and corporative parties.
Hayastan Conference Hall – Hayastan conference hall is provided with quiet and gentle lighting. It comes with modern equipment acquired from European Industrial companies. This hall is but absolutely perfect for not only scientific meetings, conferences and seminars, but also for international summits. In May 2009, Armenia was hosting the World Youth Boxing Championship and the discussions and presentations were held exactly in this conference hall.
Argishti Hall – Argishti Hall offers a great opportunity for banquets. It’s situated next to Hayastan Conference Hall.
Events Held at Karen Demirchyan Complex since 2008
- March 22, 2009 – Canadian singer Garou’s concert.
- May, 2009 – World Youth Boxing Championship.
- October 16, 2009 – English rock band Uriah Heep’s concert.
- May 25, 2010 – English rock band Deep Purple’s concert. That was something awesome and unprecedented.
- April, 2010 – 2010 IIHF World Championship (Division III) ice hockey tournament.
- August 12, 2010 – Armenian-American rock singer SerjTankian’s concert.
- October 26, 2010 – English rock and blues singer Joe Cocker’s concert.
- December 3, 2011 – Junior Eurovision Song contest 2011.
Armenia cannot boast of its large sport and concert halls. In this regard, Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex is the only, and it truly stands out with its design and architectural solutions. By the way, the memorial to the victims of the Armenian Genocide can be found nearby. Those interested in the Armenian history can take a few minute walk and lay a flower there.
Location
Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex is situated in Tsitsernakaberd Park.
