Bercy Arena reopens

PARIS’S Bercy omnisports arena reopens this week after two-years of refurbishment.

Along with the 3,000 seats of additional capacity comes a new name, the AccorHotels Arena POPB.

The 20,300-seater arena is now among one of the world’s biggest, joining other big names such as New York’s Madison Square Garden, the Staples Center in Los Angeles and the O2 in London.

The official opening takes place on Wednesday morning and it will host its first competition, the world judo championships, over the weekend.

Other upcoming events include gigs by U2, the Foo Fighters and Johnny Hallyday on his Rester Vivant tour.

The €135m refit (plus a €3.35m naming contract with the Accor hotel chain) includes a new terraces, footbridge and restaurants.

The new stadium will be a boost to Paris’s bid to host the 2024 Olympic Games.

Photo: Wiki/TangoPaso