WiZink Center Seating Guide
Where to sit & the best seats
Where to sit at WiZink Center
Grada Baja (lower stand) blocks facing the stage
Seated, close and front-on to an end stage.
Lower rows of the Grada Alta facing the stage
Affordable elevated seats before the highest rows.
Grada Alta blocks behind an end stage
Little or no view of the stage front; usually withheld for concerts.
About WiZink Center
The WiZink Center holds around 15,000-15,500 for concerts and about 15,000 for basketball, with capacity varying by configuration. A steep bowl of numbered lower and upper stands (gradas) rings a floor that can be standing or seated, and the best concert views come from the lower stands facing an end stage and the front of the floor. The upper ring climbs quickly, so the highest and behind-stage blocks feel distant. It is the home of Real Madrid's basketball team and Madrid's main indoor arena for concerts and sport. Note that the venue has more recently been renamed under a new sponsor.
Officially the Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad de Madrid, the WiZink Center was rebuilt in a high-tech style between 2002 and 2005 after a fire destroyed the original 1960 hall, reopening as a modern multi-purpose arena. Its steep, wraparound bowl is designed for both basketball and concerts, giving a close, loud atmosphere in the heart of the city.
WiZink Center in photos
11 outside · 4 inside the venue
Seating map
This is the map used for ticket sales at WiZink Center. Exact configuration varies by event.
How the venue is set up
End-stage concert
Stage at one end with a standing or seated floor plus the full bowl; behind-stage upper blocks are cut from sale.
Basketball
Central court with seating around all sides for Real Madrid Baloncesto, around 15,000.
In-the-round / other
Central stage or reduced configurations for particular shows and events.
Seating levels explained
Floor / PistaFloor blocks
The flat floor in front of an end stage, standing for many concerts or seated for others.
Pros: Closest to the stage and the strongest atmosphere.
Cons: Flat floor limits views behind a tall standing crowd.
Lower Stand / Grada BajaLower numbered blocks
The first ring of seating around and above the floor.
Pros: Strong sightlines, especially blocks facing an end stage.
Cons: Side blocks lose part of the stage; front rows sit low.
Upper Stand / Grada AltaUpper numbered blocks
The steep upper ring wrapping the top of the bowl.
Pros: Elevated overview of the stage and production for less money.
Cons: High, distant view from the back rows and steep steps.
Premium / palcosBoxes and VIP seats
Private boxes (palcos) and VIP seating with lounge access.
Pros: Comfort, private facilities and good central views.
Cons: Higher price and limited availability.
Best seats at WiZink Center
Best overall for concerts
Grada Baja (lower stand) blocks facing the stage
Seated, close and front-on to an end stage.
Closest to the stage / floor
Front of the floor (pista)
Right at the barrier for the most immersive experience.
Best value
Lower rows of the Grada Alta facing the stage
Affordable elevated seats before the highest rows.
Seated with a full view
Central Grada Baja, a few rows up
Elevated enough to clear the floor crowd, head-on to the stage.
Best for basketball
Grada Baja along the sidelines near centre court
Close, central views of the full court for Real Madrid games.
| For | Sections | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall for concerts | Grada Baja (lower stand) blocks facing the stage | Seated, close and front-on to an end stage. |
| Closest to the stage / floor | Front of the floor (pista) | Right at the barrier for the most immersive experience. |
| Best value | Lower rows of the Grada Alta facing the stage | Affordable elevated seats before the highest rows. |
| Seated with a full view | Central Grada Baja, a few rows up | Elevated enough to clear the floor crowd, head-on to the stage. |
| Best for basketball | Grada Baja along the sidelines near centre court | Close, central views of the full court for Real Madrid games. |
Seats to avoid & obstructed views
Grada Alta blocks behind an end stage: Little or no view of the stage front; usually withheld for concerts.
Highest rows of the Grada Alta: Steep, high and far from the stage, relying on the screens.
Lower blocks directly beside the stage: Sharp side-on angle with possible staging obstruction.
Corner blocks for end-stage shows: Angled views that cut off part of the stage.
Accessibility & companion seating
The WiZink Center provides wheelchair-accessible spaces and easy-access seating with accessible toilets and lifts, and offers assistance for disabled visitors arranged in advance. Accessible tickets, including a companion place where eligible, are booked through the venue's dedicated service rather than general sale.
Where: Wheelchair positions are located at accessible levels of the lower bowl with step-free routes.
Upcoming events at WiZink Center
Getting there
Transport
The arena sits at the corner of Goya and O'Donnell streets in central Madrid, served by Metro Goya (lines 2 and 4) and O'Donnell (line 6), both a short walk away. It is very central and well connected by bus, so most visitors arrive by Metro rather than car.
The area
It is in the Salamanca and Retiro district of central Madrid, close to the upscale shopping of Calle Goya and a short walk from the Retiro Park. The surrounding streets have plenty of bars and restaurants for before and after an event.
WiZink Center · Madrid, Spain
Frequently asked questions
What is the capacity of the WiZink Center?
Around 15,000-15,500 for concerts and about 15,000 for basketball, varying by configuration.
What are the best seats for a concert?
Grada Baja (lower stand) blocks facing an end stage for a seated view, or the front of the floor for immersion.
How do I get there?
It is very central, served by Metro Goya (lines 2 and 4) and O'Donnell (line 6), both a short walk away.
Which team plays there?
Real Madrid's basketball team (Real Madrid Baloncesto) play their home games at the arena.
What is the venue's official name?
It is officially the Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad de Madrid, known as the WiZink Center under a sponsorship deal, and has more recently been renamed under a new sponsor.
Which seats should I avoid?
Grada Alta blocks behind the stage and the highest rows, which are steep and distant.
What is the bag policy?
Only small bags are permitted and all bags are searched on entry; large bags and rucksacks are not allowed inside.
More seating guides
Caja Mágica (Manolo Santana)
Madrid, Spain · Tennis stadium
Seating guideCívitas Metropolitano
Madrid, Spain · Football stadium
Seating guidePalau Sant Jordi
Barcelona, Spain · Arena
Seating guide
Santiago Bernabéu
Madrid, Spain · Football stadium
Seating guideEstadio Benito Villamarín
Seville, Spain · Football stadium
Seating guideMestalla
Valencia, Spain · Football stadium
Seating guideSources
- WiZink Center official site
- Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad de Madrid on Wikipedia
- SeatPick seating guide
Hero image: Luis García (Zaqarbal), CC BY-SA 4.0 — via Wikimedia Commons
