ASA Arena
Аса Арена | |
 | |
 Interactive map of ASA Arena | |
| Former names | Mongolian National Circus |
|---|---|
| Address | Sükhbaatar, Ulaanbaatar Mongolia |
| Coordinates | 47°54′43.27″N 106°54′26.24″E / 47.9120194°N 106.9072889°E |
| Owner | Asashoryu D.Dagvadorj |
| Type | circus |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1971 |
| Renovated | 2020 |
| Cost | US$7.4 million |
| Architect | Ya.Sharkhuu |
The ASA Arena (Mongolian: Аса Арена), formerly Mongolian National Circus (Mongolian: Монгол Улсын Цирк), is a circus built in 1971 and event venue established in Sükhbaatar District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
History
The circus building was built in 1971 with a US$7.4 million loan from Romania. In 2008, the circus was privatized by former sumo grand champion Asashoryu D.Dagvadorj and then renamed the venue as Asa Circus. In 2020, the interior of the circus underwent renovation.
Controversy
After the state circus was privatized and placed under a management contract with Asa Consulting, Mongolian circus performers say they were effectively shut out of the building and have not staged a performance there since. In recent years, foreign circus groups have rented the arena for their shows. The New York Times reported that the new owner's promises to restore the national circus proved empty, and performers have pressed the government to provide more training space without success. The dispute coincides with an exodus of talent. Performers estimate that about 85 percent of their colleagues work abroad, including at least 400 artists in Turkey and 500 contortionists in the United States and Europe.
Architecture
The building's blue dome stood out against the Soviet-era cityscape of Ulaanbaatar, and the facility could seat thousands more spectators than the circus's earlier home. The shape of the circus building resembles traditional round hat worn by women in Ulaanbaatar. The building was designed by architect Ya.Sharkhuu.
See also
References
- ↑ AFP (6 October 2023). "Mongolia's circus performers fight to preserve their craft". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 12 November 2026.
- 1 2 Анхтуяа, Б. (3 December 2019). "The tragedy of the Mongolian National Circus". News.mn. Retrieved 12 November 2026.
- ↑ "Mongolians are circus stars all over the world, except at home". The Business Times. 26 December 2023. Retrieved 12 November 2026.
- ↑ Анхтуяа, Б. (16 October 2020). "Is Asashoryu D.Davgadorj demolishing Mongolia's only circus?". News.mn. Retrieved 12 November 2026.
- ↑ Б.Анхтуяа (26 December 2026). "Mongolians are circus stars all over the world, except at home - News.MN". News.MN - The source of news. Retrieved 12 November 2026.
- 1 2 "State abandoned not only circus, but the school as well". www.ubpost.mn. 8 May 2026. Retrieved 12 November 2026.
