The Budapest facility was also among the world's five best in the Stadium and Arena as well as the Sustainable Sports and Recreation Building categories, according to the decision of the professional jury, and the winner in both groups was chosen based on the audience's votes. "I can honestly say that I am extremely proud of this double award, and I would like to thank the entire NAPUR Architect team and all our partners for their joint work," said architect Ferencz Marcel, the designer of the center, who also emphasized that the greatest recognition for an architect is when a building is appreciated by the profession, but also by the public.
"The two public awards - one for the iconic stadium function and one for its sustainable and community character - perfectly justify our vision that the National Athletics Center is more than an arena: a place that is open to everyone, alive and lovable." According to a statement from the Best Ever agency, this means that the facility that hosted the 2023 World Athletics Championships is not only considered one of the best in the world according to the professional jury, but has also won the hearts of the public interested in international architecture.
After the World Championships the stadium was "transformed in a way that is unique in the world: in place of the upper stand, a nearly 15,000 square meter panoramic leisure park was created, open to everyone and free of charge." This made the National Athletics Center the first "open arena" in the world that, after a major sporting event, served leisure sports and an active lifestyle with new, community functions. This sustainable model and community approach also contributed to the prestigious international awards it has just won.