Hours after Taylor Swift finished her record-breaking concert in Paris, Era By the time the world tour hit La Défense Arena in Paris, an incredible transformation was already underway.
Paris is set to host swimming events at the 2024 Olympics, but the transition from home to one of the world's most talked-about concerts to an Olympic venue with two full-size pools poses serious challenges.
Since its grand opening in 2017, Paris La Défense Arena has become a place where culture and sport come together. Located just 30 minutes from central Paris, in Europe's largest financial district, the venue hosts a wide range of events.
The Rolling Stones were the first to take to the building's stage, setting the tone for a lineup of big-name artists including 50 Cent, the Black Eyed Peas, Pink and Elton John, while the building's sporting tenant, French rugby union team Racing 92, frequently draws fans who fill the venue with excitement.
![Paris La Défense Arena (with inset)](https://d.newsweek.com/en/full/2398954/paris-la-defense-arena-insets.png?w=1200&f=d3c4377036155faa54fe3c5e0290402c)
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Europe's largest indoor venue
The largest indoor venue in Europe is not only structurally superior, but also benefits from state-of-the-art technology specifically designed to create an exceptional experience, with over 13 kilometers (nearly 8 miles) of retractable seating, adjustable seating space and one of the largest screens in the world (2,600 square meters (nearly 28,000 square feet)).
The fixed roof allows for complete control over weather conditions and the venue uses an eco-friendly water-cooling system for temperature control. The enclosed roof, combined with state-of-the-art lighting, sound systems and acoustics, allows the arena to create a custom environment for each show or sporting event.
“Modern and adaptable, offering excellent acoustics and visibility, the venue is fully connected to the transport network and will be easily accessible during the games,” said Bathilde Lorenzetti, vice president of Paris La Défense Arena. Newsweek.
As Swift's final notes hung in the air on May 12, a dedicated team of more than 2,500 people gathered at the arena and transformed it into the epicenter of Olympic swimming. Eighty trucks were deployed just for Swift's staging and began clearing out the venue that had drawn 45,000 fans over four consecutive nights, 20 percent of whom were from the United States.
![Paris La Défense Arena](https://d.newsweek.com/en/full/2398960/paris-la-defense-arena.png?w=1200&f=be7d6ff73e6c133328d6b7a39fd9aef7)
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Concerts, sports and world events
For American tourists, concerts at Paris' La Défense Arena offered a chance to see their favorite artists in a unique setting, and unlike the U.S., where tickets can be fiercely available and expensive, France has strict laws regulating ticket resale, ensuring fair access to events at the regular price.
Tickets for Taylor Swift's Erasu tour in the United States sold for more than $8,000, while tickets in Paris were closer to $175. This accessibility, and the arena's proximity to central Paris, are things the venue is hoping to capitalize on for the 2024 Olympics.
On May 15, La Défense Arena officially handed over the keys to the Olympics, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the arena. By June 20, two Olympic-sized pools will be fully constructed in the space that until recently housed thousands of Swifties, in preparation for the Olympics starting on July 24.
![Taylor Swift at La Défense Arena in Paris](https://d.newsweek.com/en/full/2398961/taylor-swift-paris-la-defense-arena.png?w=1200&f=373461976b2bb1bf03d31fa4d69c593f)
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“While the configuration will be different than it was for Taylor Swift, the arena will still be an emotional space for everyone,” Lorenzetti said. “With a crowd from all over the world, we're sure the atmosphere will be tense and sometimes heated as we approach the final round. As with every one of our events, we hope that our audience will have an unforgettable experience at our venue.”
As the countdown continues to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Paris La Défense Arena is ready to welcome 1,736 athletes and thousands of spectators from around the world.
And the excitement doesn't stop there: heading into 2025, Paris' La Défense Arena will become the prestigious home of the Rolex French Masters tennis tournament, further cementing its position as a premier destination for sport and music. With a new line-up of concerts also on the way, the arena will continue to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom, seeking common ground and finding connections.