Paris’ Accor Arena turns 40

The Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy was inaugurated in 1984 and is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Located on the edge of the Seine, nestled in the heart of the Bercy district, the arena was constructed on the ruins of the wine merchants’ halls.

The Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, now known as Accor Arena, boasts 20,300 seats and has hosted performances from the likes of Sir Elton John, Madonna, Céline Dion, Adele, Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé, Coldplay, Daft Punk, Stevie Wonder and many more. It has also been transformed many times to host major sporting events.

Here’s a look back at some moments over the last 40 years in images:

Excerpt from a press article dating from the construction of the Accor Arena.

The venue boasts 20,300 seats, optimised acoustics and beautiful architecture with a glass roof. Image: Sergio Garcia.

This apartment offers unrestricted views of the stage. The exclusive space is said to “symbolise the French art of hosting”. The hospitality offering was opened as part of the arena’s 2023 transformation and has been designed to look like a Haussmann-style apartment, allowing guests to feel at home while enjoying the live entertainment. Image: Nicko Guihal.

Madonna is just one of the iconic artists to have graced the arena’s stage over the last four decades. Others include Prince, Sir Paul McCartney, Sting, Metallica, U2, Pink, Rihanna, Radiohead and more. Image: Live Nation.

The Main Hall has been transformed into great sporting locations to house basketball, a tennis court, or even an MMA (mixed martial arts) ring. Perhaps more strangely, it has also hosted a ski slope, super-cross track and a windsurfing pool.

Accor Arena has hosted international National Basketball Association (NBA) games since 2020. In 2024, the arena was used as a venue to host gymnastic and basketball sessions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – pictured is basketball star LeBron James representing the USA in the Olympic final against France. Image: Nicko Guihal.