At the LDLC Arena,
Less than eight years after OL, Asvel will in turn enter a new era at Décines. During a press visit on Tuesday to the LDLC Arena, located very close to Parc OL, Tony Parker made official the first major event in this new 12,000-seat venue (in its basketball configuration): the Euroleague match of November 23 against Bayern Munich. “At least” ten other European shocks will follow in this new venue this season, including the reception of the title holder, Real Madrid, on December 28, or even FC Barcelona on April 12.
But as always, the Villeurbanne president, and recent NBA “Hall of Famer”, is already dreaming bigger, by aiming to host the “Euroleague Final Four, male or female”. “But also an NBA match, I’m working on it,” smiles the former playmaker for the France team. My dream would be to play Asvel-Spurs here. We are on the file and I hope it will happen soon. I have the agreement in principle from the Spurs, now we have to work with the NBA. »
Up to 16,000 spectators for shows
A return of Victor Wembanyama to France for such an exhibition match, admit that it would be tough. The prospect of doubling its capacity in the Euroleague compared to the Astroballe (5,560 places) should allow Asvel, “resident club”, to quickly change size. “The Arena is a very important development tool for us,” recognizes Gaëtan Muller, deputy president of Asvel. We will exceed the 20 million euros budget this year” Enough to bounce back after a disappointing season, without a title (semi-final in Betclic Elite), and with a last place in the Euroleague (26 defeats in 34 days).
This modern Arena launched by OL, with a total cost of 141 million euros, will also be a performance hall, with a capacity of up to 16,000 spectators. Nearly sixty events are already scheduled in total for this 2023-2024 season, starting with the Florence Foresti show on November 28. Lomepal, Sting, Sakaponk will follow… “Such a multifunction room is the room of tomorrow,” enthuses Tony Parker. I’m so happy there are concerts here. There is a very long-term contract with Live Nation. We are going to receive all the greatest artists. I can’t wait to see Jay-Z and Beyoncé in the LDLC Arena. » Don’t get carried away: just like for an NBA match, such artists are not yet scheduled at Décines.