It was designed by engineer Franco Levi and architects Annibale and Giorgio Rigotti.

It has a seating capacity for a maximum 12,200 people,[7] and 9,200 when configured for basketball games.

In a famous scene in the film, three Minis are seen driving onto and over the arena's distinctive roof.

[8] As part of the renovation, a new seating and scoring systems were installed at the arena.

The arena also hosted the 2008 ULEB Cup Final Eight,[5] and also the same event, under the competition's new name of EuroCup, in the 2008–09 season.