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Paris 2024 venue guide: All you need to know about La Defense Arena
Sixty days after hosting a Taylor Swift concert the Paris 2024 venue was ready for the Olympic and Paralympic swimming races. A total of 141 Para swimming medal events will take place at the Paris La Defense Arena from 29 August to 7 September 16 Aug 2024
Paris La Défense Arena, one of the most modern and versatile venues in France, will serve as the epicentre for Para swimming events during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Located in the Nanterre district, just outside central Paris, the venue has been meticulously adapted to host Olympic and Paralympic swimming events.
Originally set to host gymnastics, which later moved the Bercy Arena, the indoor stadium welcomed 35 medal events during the Olympics and will see 141 Paralympic champions crowned this year. The arena, opened in October 2017, will accommodate up to 15,000 spectators during the Games.
Normally a rugby stadium for its home team, Racing 92, and a concert venue, the arena took 60 days to be transformed in the Aquatics Centre. The handover to Paris 2024 happened in May after a series of US superstar Taylo Swift concerts.
The Para swimming action will kick off on 29 August at 9:30 AM (Local Time) with the men’s 400m freestyle S9 heats. The Para swimming programme concludes on 7 September with the mixed 4x100m freestyle 34 points relay final set to take place at 8:27 PM.
Games legacy
The pools, constructed from stainless steel and designed as modular kits, were installed by Myrtha Pools. Following the Paris 2024 Games, these pools will find a permanent home, with one being relocated to Sevran and half of another pool to Bagnolet. This plan ensures a lasting sporting legacy, providing local communities with new facilities for swimming education and practice.
Situated in the heart of La Defense, the arena is easily accessible via public transport. It is well-connected by the Paris Metro (Line 1), RER trains (Line A), and numerous bus routes. The surrounding area offers ample parking for those driving to the event, as well as nearby hotels and dining options for visitors.
Paris La Défense Arena is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. During the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the venue will implement eco-friendly practices such as energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction programs, and water conservation measures, ensuring a green and sustainable event.
