“Roland Garros in miniature”: the new Palais des Sports in Caen makes a splash

Small glowing spheres rise and fall around an imposing central glowing cube above the ground. Projectors flicker feverishly in a room plunged into darkness, accentuated by the sound system. The arrival of the players is impressive on Tuesday 5 September for the opening of the Palais des Sports of Can-la-Mer. After the first official handball meeting on August 30, it was time for the inaugural week with “five sold-out nights,” welcomes Deputy Mayor for Sports Aristide Olivier. This is a pleasant surprise. People want to discover it and feel it.”

After two years of work, a new environment for Caen sport opens, which from the outside looks like a beautifully stylized white Camembert box. Inside there are two levels of stands for the “arena” effect. This is a miniature Roland Garros,” greet Clemence and Emily, who came to this tennis evening in the presence of, among others, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gilles Simon, in a cheerful and playful mood for the occasion. “We are close to the players. You can even see it from above,” two women added as they crossed the stands filled with about 3,500 people in evening configuration.

“I will come more often”

The 40 million euro facility built right next to Zenit is a giant leap forward for the sport of Kahn. The old palace, located a stone’s throw from it, of course, was famous for its atmosphere, but faced with age and a number of restrictions. “There is no photo with the old one,” confirms Alain, a fan of the Cannes Basketball Calvados (CBC). The room is magnificent, it is a great architectural success, including from the outside. It’s well planned, the seats are flawless.” Not one, not two, this regular does not keep his promise: “I will come more often.”

Like Alain, many viewers say they want to come to meetings more often in “this bright hall that impresses with more than 4,000 seats (4,200 at full capacity), says Manu. I really hope that this will contribute to the growth of clubs and the motivation of families. I can’t wait to take my son.” This is obviously the goal: to allow the CBC (Third Division) and the handball Vikings of Kahn (Second Division) to become resident clubs. As well as Caen Tennis Open, which will move from Zenith to the Palace (from December 10 to 13). Arnaud Guimard, its managing director, is already evaluating the evolution: “We see the full potential. As a reception for VIPs, we have taken a step forward by expanding the glazed rooms overlooking the courtyard. We have more space for partners and we can offer them more visibility.”

In terms of sports, the Cana tournament will also improve the quality of the days, thanks to the truly adapted dressing rooms and gym. The new tool has also attracted the attention of several federations. “We were told that it is not the largest, but one of the three most beautiful,” smiles Aristide Olivier, who showed the palace to several representatives of the sport. The French women’s handball team will arrive, as well as the French judo championship. The agenda was quickly filled, but this is only the beginning, the elected official assures: “This is a great tool for progress. For VIPs, there are three more seats that are more comfortable for the public and have exceptional acoustics.” “Number of the correct form. She is high level. It’s great for the people of the region, ”supports tennis player Gilles Simon, a former Open de Caen winner, at Zenit. The noisy delight of the audience creates the impression that the audience already feels at home in their new home.