Built for Paris 2024, the adidas arena opened at the beginning of February 2024. In an interview with STADIAWORLD, Nicolas Dupeux, CEO of Paris Entertainment Company, talks about the construction phase, the character and the special target group approach of the arena.
Stadiaworld: On 11th February, the adidas arena was officially opened after almost three years of construction. How did you experience the evening?
Nicolas Dupeux
image: Nicko Guihal
Stadiaworld: The arena was originally set to be completed in summer 2023. What (unforeseen) challenges did you face during construction?
Dupeux: Construction always comes with its fair share of surprises… Indeed, we encountered unforeseen challenges during construction, particularly stemming from economic and political contexts. The complexities were exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, such as the situation in Ukraine, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors impacted material prices and supply chains, posing significant hurdles for the construction process. Despite these challenges, our dedicated team, along with our partners, worked tirelessly to navigate these obstacles and ensure the successful completion of the project. And we came out on top, with the arena standing tall and proud. It is all part of the journey.
The adidas arena is to become the „place to be“ for the residents of the 18th arrondissement.
adidas
Stadiaworld: Describe the character of the arena. What makes the adidas arena special and sets it apart from other venues?
Dupeux: adidas arena transcends the traditional concept of a music and sport venue: it’s a vibrant destination that breaks boundaries. Positioned as more than just an arena, it serves as a lively urban hub, driving transformation within the entire neighborhood. What sets adidas arena apart is its innovative and multifaceted approach. From its inception, our aim has been to cultivate a space where sports, music, culture, and lifestyle converge, catering to diverse audiences. At the core of its identity lies a commitment to excellence, evident in every aspect of the arena’s design and programming. Its unique hybrid capacity, with 8,000 seats for basketball configurations and 9,000 for concerts, enables a diverse range of events. In fact, the arena is dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences to all its visitors. We’re specialists in crafting emotional connections with fans, ensuring that every event leaves a lasting impression. Inspired by the best practices from the U.S., particularly in alternative lifestyle venues and retail experiences, we wanted adidas arena to embrace an urban spirit, exalted by French excellence. This forward-thinking approach aligns closely with adidas’ brand values and positioning, making it a natural fit for collaboration. In essence, adidas arena represents a new paradigm in sports and entertainment venues, providing a dynamic environment that seamlessly integrates innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability principles.
The seats in the adidas arena are made from 70 tonnes of recycled plastic.
Florence Pernet
Stadiaworld: At the eps ARENA SUMMIT 2023, the arena was presented as a venue that focuses less on VIPs and more on networking and mixing visitors. Can you explain that?
Dupeux: We believe that every client should be able to enjoy an extraordinary experience. VIP clients and the public are treated in the same way, with different but disruptive services in both cases. This approach embodies the core philosophy of Paris Entertainment Company: premium should be for all. And hospitality offerings should not only cater to varying budgets but also reflect distinct personalities. When exploring our hospitality channels further, it becomes evident how this philosophy is manifested. Take our catering services, for instance: they’re personalized to suit the preferences of each venue’s clientele. What’s more, we allocate budgets in a way that aligns perfectly with the distinct needs of our diverse customer base, which includes millennial entrepreneurs and young executives at adidas arena. In fact, we acknowledge the evolving landscape of decision-makers. We recognize that today’s and tomorrow’s leaders are more diverse in gender, younger in age, and prioritize engagement with corporate compliance and CSR initiatives. Therefore, when crafting our hospitality offerings, we ensure they are aligned with these contemporary imperatives. Even the architectural design of our venues reflects this ethos. For example, at adidas arena, we prioritize communal spaces over private suites to facilitate networking and foster a sense of community. Our 150m² Skybar, which opens onto the hall, is a clear illustration of this.
In the basketball configuration, the arena offers space for 8,000 visitors.
Florence_Pernet
Stadiaworld: Primarily built for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the arena will continue to be used after Paris 2024. What kind of events are planned and what arena configurations are possible?
Dupeux: I would like to start by saying that adidas arena stands as the sole lasting Olympic infrastructure built within the city for Paris 2024! Which makes us particularly proud. On the musical front, the arena will host a diverse array of artists, ranging from established names to emerging talents. Our programming embraces various genres while maintaining a core focus on urban and pop music. On the sporting front, the arena will cater to disciplines deeply intertwined with contemporary lifestyles, such as skateboarding and esports. These activities seek venues that resonate with their popularity, and our arena aims to fulfill that need. As the home ground for Paris Basketball, the arena will above all witness thrilling matchups in national and international competitions, with ambitions to join the EuroLeague starting from the 2024-2025 season. Looking ahead, our arena will be versatile in its configurations, accommodating basketball, various sports as I mentioned earlier, concerts, and even transforming into an ice rink for enchanting spectacles like Disney on Ice. And more than just a venue, adidas arena aspires to become “the place to be” for the residents of the 18th arrondissement. We are committed to ensuring that the local community benefits firsthand from this new infrastructure. Collaborating closely with the municipal authorities, we have identified associations that will receive support from adidas in the coming months. Besides, our gymnasiums are available to schools and sports associations in the neighborhood. (STADIAWORLD, 17.04.2024)