Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Palais omnisports de Paris-Bercy (POPB), now called Accor Arena, is a modular hall located boulevard de Bercy in the 12th arrondissement, inaugurated on 3 February 1984 by Jacques Chirac. Designed to accommodate 20,300 spectators in 360° configuration, it stands out for its pyramidal architecture with lawn-covered walls and an innovative metal frame by Jean Prouvé. The hall, free of carrier poles, offers optimal visibility and unique technical flexibility for sports shows and competitions.

The POPB site is part of the history of the Bercy district, a former wine factory and warehouse area since the 17th century. In the 19th century, Montreuil Creek was channeled there before being covered around 1850. The warehouses, active until the 1960s, gave way to an ambitious urban project in the 1970s, including Bercy Park and the Ministry of Finance. The architectural contest won in 1979 by the Andrault-Parat, Prouvé and Guvan team resulted in a rapid construction (1981-1983), making the POPB a symbol of the development of eastern Paris.

Since its opening, the Arena has hosted iconic events: the Six Days of Paris (cyclism) in 1984, historic concerts (Scorpions, Queen, Johnny Hallyday, Madonna), and competitions such as the Masters of Tennis or the Grand Slam of Judo. In 2014-15, a major renovation increased its capacity to 20,300 places and upgraded its infrastructure. In 2015, a sponsorship contract with Accor renamed the "AccorHotels Arena" room, and then "Accor Arena" in 2020, sparking debate on the commercialization of heritage.

The Olympic Games of 2024, hosting the artistic gymnastics, trampoline and basketball finals (under the temporary name "Bercy Arena") are the key players in the play. Its operation is carried out by SAE POPB, which is mainly owned by the Paris City Hall. In 2021, she bought the Bataclan, consolidating its cultural anchor. The site also includes Phantom, a 2,000-seat night hall opened in 2023 in old storage spaces.

Architecturally, the POPB is characterized by four carrying drums supporting a metal frame of 6,400 m2, allowing various stage configurations (central stage or at the end of the room). Its system of monorails and conveyors, a world first, facilitates rapid transformations. The Sonja-Henie skating rink and modular spaces make it a suitable place for almost all sports, including water sports, and large-scale shows.

Criticized for its change of name perceived as a commodification, the Accor Arena remains a must-see place in the French cultural and sports landscape. Controversies, such as that of sexist posters in 2015, have marked its recent history. With more than 40 years of existence, it embodies both architectural innovation and the event vitality of Paris, while adapting to contemporary issues, such as hosting the Paralympic Games (basket-fauteuil).

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