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We're taking a look back at the long history of the Parc des Princes, which will host soccer events during the 2024 Olympic Games.
Soccer never stops and definitely won't this summer. During the upcoming Olympic Games, the Parc des Princes will host soccer matches as part of the global event. The famous stadium at Porte de Saint-Cloud (16th arrondissement) will host both men and women's soccer events of the Olympic Games, including the two finals. It is one of seven French stadiums chosen to host football matches during the Olympics.
The Parc des Princes' story began in the XIXe century
Aviette competition at the Parc des Princes. Paris, August 31, 1913.
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Maurice-Louis Branger / Roger Viollet
Racing Club vs Lyon soccer match. Parc des Princes, September 30 1954
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Collection Roger Viollet / Roger Viollet
Jubilee of Francis Pélissier, French racing cyclist. Reconstruction of his Bordeaux-Paris victory in 1924. Parc des Princes, June 1944.
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Roger Viollet / Roger Viollet
Built in 1897, the Parc des Princes has been renovated and rebuilt several times. The original stadium was a velodrome, seating just 3,200. In addition to cycling, the Parc also hosted rugby and soccer matches, two sports that were in their infancy at the time in France.
In 1922, plans were made to expand the park into an Olympic stadium for the 1924 Games. However, it never happened due to a lack of funding.
On April 23th, 1932, the stadium was expanded: after nine months of work, the renovated "Parc" was opened to the public. It now has a capacity of 40,000, including 26,000 seats.
It was also at the Parc des Princes that American soccer was introduced to the French by US soldiers who had remained in France after the First World War. On December 10, 1938, the stadium hosted the first match played on French soil in front of 25,000 spectators.
"Le Parc" gets face lift in 1972
Construction of the Parc des Princes. 1970.
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Jacques Cuinières / Roger Viollet
Construction of the new Parc des Princes stadium in Paris in 1970.
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Jacques Cuinières / Roger Viollet
The most recent renovation was completed in 2016 ahead of the European championships soccer tournament.
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Emily Chaix / Ville de Paris
From 1967 to 1972, a new era began for the Parc: the construction of the stadium we know today. Its architect, Roger Taillibert, also designed the Olympic Stadium in Montreal.
Its silhouette stands out in the Porte de Saint-Cloud landscape, with its roof jutting out with rib cage-like concrete parts. At the time of its creation, the building was considered an architectural feat. Its unique design offers spectators excellent visibility, with no seat being more than 45 metres from the pitch.
The Parc des Princes was also the first stadium in Europe with an integrated lighting system in its elliptical roof. It's also renowned for its unrivaled acoustics, which are much appreciated by spectators (and PSG fans).
Today, the stadium, owned by the City of Paris, can accommodate a maximum of 47,929 people. Did you know that for many years, Le Parc was the largest stadium in France until the Stade de France was built in 1998?
The most recent renovation was completed in 2016 ahead of the European championship soccer tournament. It included the creation of two new rows closer to the pitch, the renewal of 45,000 seats, the installation of a new-generation pitch and a complete overhaul of its interior.
Why is it called the Parc des Princes?
Its name, given when the stadium was created in 1897, derives from the French royal family. As early as the 18th century, the king's children (the princes) came to hunt on a plot of land in what is now the Bois de Boulogne. In the 19th century, the land was used for hunting and recreation.
Le Parc, a place for soccer, rugby and concerts!
As well as hosting Paris Saint-Germain matches since 1974, the Parc des Princes has also played host to numerous international soccer and rugby matches. It has also hosted international competitions such as the 1998 Football World Cup and Euro 2016.
It was also at the Parc des Princes that France, led by captain Michel Platini, won their first international title in 1984, when they defeated Spain to become European champions.
For over 25 years, the Parc played host to the French Cup soccer finals and the French rugby championship. Not to mention major concerts by French (Johnny Hallyday) and international stars (Michael Jackson, U2, The Rolling Stones…).
Paris Saint-Germain resident club since 1974
Renovation of the Parc was completed in 1972, but it wasn't until 1974 and Paris Saint-Germain's promotion to the Première Division that the club became a permanent resident of the Parc des Princes. The club played its first official match there in November 1973, against Red Star in a Second Division match.
"The Parc des Princes teams know how to manage major events"
Augustin Masurel, Parc des Princes site manager
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PSG / PSG
Augustin Masurel, Parc des Princes site manager at Paris Saint-Germain (interview conducted in December 2021), answers three questions on Olympic Games preparation.
How is the Parc des Princes getting ready for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games?
"Thanks to major renovation undertaken by Paris Saint-Germain between 2013 and 2015, the Parc des Princes has undergone a metamorphosis. In just a few years, it has become an iconic stadium in world soccer.
We are delighted that the stadium has been chosen to host several Olympic Games matches, including the emblematic men's and women's finals. For the purposes of the Olympic movement, we will of course be removing the specific Paris Saint-Germain branding, as well as that of our partners, but it will retain its Parisian identity.
We are constantly working to innovate and make the Parc des Princes a state-of-the-art venue. It is currently 100% accessible, but we plan to further improve our facilities for people with reduced mobility, notably by doubling the current capacity (127 seats).
In collaboration with the City of Paris, we are also planning a number of technical improvements, such as a second electrical delivery point and other adjustments to come."
The Parc des Princes is 100% accessible.
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Emilie Chaix / Ville de Paris
How will the management teams be getting ready?
The Société d'exploitation sports événements (SESE) teams will be in charge of operating the Parc des Princes on behalf of the Olympic Games and the City of Paris. Our teams are experienced in preparing for major events (Euro 2016, Women's World Cup in recent years). We have a high-quality, highly experienced team that knows the stadium inside out. Over 250 events a year are staged at the Parc des Princes. More than 4,000 people work on match days.
What major sporting events has the Parc des Princes hosted down the years?
Since its creation, the Parc des Princes has hosted some of the world's greatest sporting events, including the 1998 Football World Cup and the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
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PSG
The Parc des Princes plays host to around twenty Paris Saint-Germain matches every season, which represents a colossal event as each game is played in front of a capacity crowd. We also organize several matches for the women's team, including major European showdowns.
Since its creation, the Parc des Princes has hosted some of the world's greatest sporting events, including the 1998 Football World Cup and the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
More surprisingly, the Parc des Princes has hosted special events such as the visit of Pope John Paul II and a meeting of former French President Jacques Chirac.
What's more, the Parc des Princes has been the venue for concerts by legendary artists such as Michael Jackson, U2 and Johnny Halliday.
"The Olympic Games in Paris are a dream for every athlete"
Grace Geyoro, French international
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PSG / PSG
Grace Geyoro, Paris Saint-Germain captain and French international (interview conducted in December 2021).
What do you expect from such an event?
The Olympic Games in Paris are a dream for every athlete. As a soccer player and a Parisian, I really hope to be able to play at the Parc des Princes during this tournament. The Parc is our home, and that can only be good for us.
Can you imagine yourself wearing French Olympic team jersey?
Personally, I've never had the opportunity to take part in the Olympic Games, and the Paris Games would be my first. It would be an honor to wear the colors of France, in Paris, at such a prestigious event.
Which team do you dream of facing at the Olympic Games?
Teams from outside Europe, like Brazil and Japan. These are two teams we don't play against very often, and they're top-class.
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