PARIS, France — The plan in Paris for the 2024 Olympics was to avoid building big new facilities and instead host events in temporary venues or venues they already had, including a stadium that was used for the Summer Games 100 years ago.
It’s the Yves-Du-Manoir Stadium, just north of Paris, which first opened in 1907. Architect Francois Clement with Populous said it’s been a part of French sports history for more than a century.
"It was used in 1924 for the Olympic Games in Paris 100 years ago,” he said.
It was once the French National Stadium, where the 1924 Olympic opening ceremony was held, as well as the track and field and pentathlon events. In fact, it was the site of an iconic Olympic track and field moment portrayed in the movie "Chariots of Fire."
“In 1924, two athletes won gold medal in sprint, Eric Liddell and Hal Abrahams, which was part of the beautiful film," Clement said.
Much of the stadium had to be updated by Populous architects including Clement for the 2024 Olympics, but the history still remains. The venue is being used for field hockey during the 2024 Games.
“What remains of that stadium from 1924 is that beautiful stand with that beautiful steel work that has been renovated for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” Clement said.
During these Games, the stadium will seat 13,500 people. Afterward, it will be home to the French Hockey Federation.
