Amphitheatre vs. Arena — What's the Difference?

An amphitheatre (British English) or amphitheater (American English; both ) is an open-air venue used for entertainment, performances, and sports. The term derives from the ancient Greek ἀμφιθέατρον (amphitheatron), from ἀμφί (amphi), meaning "on both sides" or "around" and θέατρον (théātron), meaning "place for viewing".Ancient Roman amphitheatres were oval or circular in plan, with seating tiers that surrounded the central performance area, like a modern open-air stadium.

An arena is a large enclosed platform, often circular or oval-shaped, designed to showcase theatre, musical performances, or sporting events. It is composed of a large open space surrounded on most or all sides by tiered seating for spectators, and may be covered by a roof.

An open, outdoor theatre (which may be a theatre in the round, or have a stage with seating on only one side), especially one from the classical period of ancient Greece or Rome, or a modern venue of similar design.

An enclosed area for the presentation of sports events and spectacles.

(geology) A natural formation of a similar shape, where a steep mountain or slope a particular rock formation forms a partial or compete bowl, especially one used as a performance space (and possibly modified by carving out seats, etc) because the slopes naturally amplify or echo sound.

A building housing such an area.

A sloping gallery with seats for spectators (as in an operating room or theater)

A place or scene where forces contend or events unfold

An oval large stadium with tiers of seats; an arena in which contests and spectacles are held

The area in the center of an ancient Roman amphitheater where contests and other spectacles were held.

An enclosed area, often outdoor, for the presentation of sporting events (sports arena) or other spectacular events; earthen area, often oval, specifically for rodeos (North America) or circular area for bullfights (especially Hispanic America).

The building housing such an area; specifically, a very large, often round building, often topped with a dome, designated for indoor sporting or other major events, such as concerts.

(historical) The sand-covered centre of an amphitheatre where contests were held in Ancient Rome.

A realm in which events take place; an area of interest, study, behaviour, etc.

The area in the central part of an amphitheater, in which the gladiators fought and other shows were exhibited; - so called because it was covered with sand.

Any place of public contest or exertion; any sphere of action; as, the arenaof debate; the arena of life.

"Sand" or "gravel" in the kidneys.

A particular environment or walk of life;

The central area of an ancient Roman amphitheater where contests and spectacles were held; especially a sand-strewn area

A large structure for open-air sports or entertainments

A playing field where sports events take place