Chao News Client Special Reporter Zhao Lei, Ying Luyang, Yang Junxia Text/Photo
The main stadium, for major competitions, is often an iconic totem. The brilliance of the opening ceremony, the creativity of the cauldron stand, the blood of the track and field field, and the farewell at the closing ceremony have jointly built an important memory of the current event, which is unforgettable. For example, the London Bowl of the London Olympics, the Bird's Nest of the Beijing Olympics, and the "Big Lotus" at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year.
Because the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics was groundbreaking on the Seine, the main stadium - the Stade de France has not received much attention.
Take the metro to Saint-Denis station and follow the signs all the way to a large disc not far away, which is the roof of the Stade de France.
Stade de France.
It is reported that the $466 million stadium can accommodate 80,000 spectators. The steel frame used for the huge circular roof weighs the weight of the Eiffel Tower, but the supports are mostly imperceptible, so it's no wonder that it looks like a large hollow disc floating in the air.
Entering the venue, the purple runway that I had heard of for a long time was finally seen with my own eyes, and the rich purple of the runway is in full bloom with the seasonal Lavender of Provence in France. The tranquil color of the runway complements the famous generals who "fly close to the ground" on it, just like a world famous painting.
Although we watched the preliminary match that started in the morning local time in France, the stadium was still packed. Before the starting gun, the audience was silent. And when the runners fly out of the starting line like arrows from the string, the shouts on the scene will become deafening.
Players in the game. Source: Xinhua News Agency
As the largest adjustable stadium in the world, the movable grandstand in the stadium is the proudest of France. The 25,000 seats in the lower part of the grandstand can be moved flexibly – during the Olympics, when the seven-a-side rugby event is finished and the track and field competition is introduced, the staff lowers the platform between the lower and middle stages, and the lower grandstand can be retracted 15 meters, revealing the track and jumping track. This part of the grandstand is like being mounted on a big pulley, and it can move in and out freely. When used as a track and field venue, the number of seats in the stadium will be reduced by 5,000. But no matter what kind of game, the audience can watch the game as close to the arena as possible, and the sense of presence is overwhelming.
Perhaps the highlights of the Paris Olympics were too numerous and scattered to make the main stadium, which should have been a high-profile stadium, less conspicuous.
The opening ceremony was held on the Seine River, and there were many places of interest along the river. At the same time, sand volleyball is played under the Eiffel Tower, equestrian is played at the Palace of Versailles, thunderbolt jumping is carried out on the Place de la Concorde, swords are discussed in the Grand Palace, judo is played in the Champ de Mars, and archery is fought in front of the Invalides...... The events are set in the city's attractions, allowing people to enjoy the events and enjoy the intoxicating scenery of the romantic city. Even the Olympic cauldron left the main stadium and was placed in the Tuileries Gardens.
Stade de France.
But no matter how good the France are at "putting things together" and moving the spotlight of many of the Olympics out of the main stadium, the Stade de France, which has hosted all of France's major events over the past 30 years, still has its unrivalled charm.
Originally, the Stade de France was built for the 1998 World Cup, and was inaugurated on January 28, 1998 before the start of the World Cup. Perhaps it was its "money ability" that played a role, and its debut did not disappoint the French people, helping France magically defeat Brazil, led by "alien" Ronaldo, 3-0, and lift the Hercules Cup for the first time in history.
After the World Cup, the stadium, which could bring luck to France, was out of control, with major events taking place, including the 2003 World Championships in Athletics, the 2007 Rugby World Cup and Euro 2016, and the 2023 Rugby World Cup. In addition to France football and rugby matches, many France and world superstars have also held concerts here.
The Stade de France was packed.
After the end of the Games, the Stade de France will continue to host a variety of major sporting events and cultural events. Major matches of France football and rugby will also be held here, including matches between the national teams in these two sports.
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