Successful opening night at the Arena Porte de la Chapelle

It's impossible to miss the new arena on boulevard Ney in the 18th arrondissement. With 20,000m² of space, high recycled aluminum facades and wide plaza, the Arena is an impressive sight. Built in just two and a half years, it is intended to host events for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and also become a key venue for sport and entertainment in the capital.

"It's a magnificent place, which will do the whole neighborhood a world of good," exclaims Jean-Michel Métayer, who has lived round here since 1989 and is president of the Vivre au 93 Chapelle association. Like him, many people came to the new site in the course of the afternoon to visit it and take part in the many activities hosted by local associations.

In the Arena's two gymnasiums, visitors tryout fencing, wheelchair basketball and even hip-hop. "I'm having the time of my life!", exclaims Lætitia, testing out her foil skills. Not far from the young woman, Sofyane Mehiaoui, the leader of Paris Basket Fauteuil (PBF), introduces wheelchair basketball to youngsters. "It's great to be part of this project," says Mehiaoui, whose club will be training on site. From the wooden stands, you can catch a glimpse of a dance demonstration organized by the Esprit d'Ébène, Turgot Dance and In Beatween associations.

In the second sports hall, on the first floor, we come across 12-year-old Hakim. He's here to take part in an introductory fashion design workshop organized by the 0-93.Lab collective. In front of one of the many sewing machines, he proudly poses with the piece he's just personalized (with the help of an adult, of course): a Paris Basketball jersey. "I'm so happy! I'll wear it the next time I go to play basketball!"

While the various workshops are putting smiles on faces, things are hotting up behind the scenes. And with good reason: at 7pm, the venue's new residents, Paris Basketball (PBB), host Saint-Quentin. The 8,000-capacity venue (9,000 in concert configuration) is meticulously being prepared. From the bays lined with seats made from recycled plastic, the view is breathtaking over the Arena's brand-new parquet floor.

Jean-Michel is seated on one of the brand new folding seats. He still can't believe it. "There used to be a bowling alley on the site of the hall. Then there was a parking lot…" he recalls. Twenty years on, the neighborhood has indeed changed. The new building is part of a wider project to redevelop the Chapelle district. By summer 2024, residents will be able to enjoy, among other things, a pedestrian promenade and improved bicycle links between Paris and Saint-Denis.

The match kicks off at 7pm. In a sold-out Arena, the PBB put on a show, winning 87-65. At the end of the game, it was rapper Zola's turn to put on a show and end the day.

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