Arena 92 rugby stadium in Nanterre by Christian de Portzamparc
Arena 92 will replace the Stade Yves-du-Manoir in Colombes, currently home to Racing Métro 92. Following an international competition that drew 27 entries, the practice Christian de Portzamparc, working with the contractor Vinci, was selected as winner ahead of Jean-Pierre Buffi and Jean-Michel Wilmotte. The jury, made up of representatives of Racing Arena, EPADESA and the City of Nanterre, considered the three shortlisted schemes at the start of the year and announced its decision on 14 February.
Delivery is scheduled for 2014. The capacity is put at 32,000 spectators for rugby matches and between 10,000 and 40,000 seats depending on the configuration. The stadium will host the rugby team's matches for 36 hours a year; the rest of the time, around ten shows and events are planned.
One distinctive feature of the project is that the stadium is enclosed. The pitch will therefore receive no natural daylight, and the players will play on an artificial surface. Spectators will also be part of the action, with the front rows just 4.50 metres from the touchline.
Christian de Portzamparc has designed "a concrete shell in a soft grey-beige, floating on a necklace of shimmering, pearly scales in glass and metal, creating play of light by day and by night", he told a press conference. At the base of the building there will be shops, the Racing Métro 92 club house and a brasserie, as well as offices separated from the stadium by a light well, bringing the total floor area to 33,000 m².
The cost of the scheme is close to €320,000,000. Funding is expected to come from office rents, event ticket sales and a sponsor who will attach its name to the stadium. The public can find out more about the project from 7 March to 7 April at Nanterre town hall.
Gallery
5 images- © Christian de Portzamparc
Also available in FrançaisDeutsch
