After having hosted basketball, futsal and handball since its opening, the Aréna Saint-Étienne Métropole is preparing to welcome a new discipline: judo.
A logical development for an infrastructure designed to be versatile, and which once again confirms its capacity for adaptation. To accommodate the tatami mats in optimal conditions, the Arena took advantage of its modular stands. The configuration has been adjusted to meet the requirements of the discipline, reducing the capacity from 4,200 to 3,200 places.
Satisfied organizers
A layout which fully satisfies the organizers, keen to offer a framework adapted to both the public and the judokas involved. “There was a lot of work upstream with the local authorities so that we were focused on the installation only upon our arrival, but we are very happy, the Arena perfectly meets the specifications that we had set,” declares Marion Foltz, Events Manager of the French Judo Federation.
An influx driven by the Loire clubs
With this major event, the stands should be well-stocked. No less than forty Loire judo clubs will be present, promising an engaged and friendly atmosphere. A great showcase for a sport with a strong local presence.
If the Arena is often associated with basketball, a discipline which is mainly practiced there, the metropolis of Saint-Étienne confirms its desire to open the facility to other sports and to competitions of national and international scope.
Holding this meeting dedicated to judo is part of a broader strategy: making the Arena an essential place for sporting diversity, attracting new events and strengthening the attractiveness of the region.
Y. Bouhaddane
