With the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games approaching, the Paris La Defense Arena in the western suburbs of Paris is undergoing intensive renovations to prepare for the upcoming swimming and water polo competitions.

Usually a venue for rugby matches and large concerts, the arena is being rapidly transformed to accommodate two 50-meter Olympic swimming pools.

Last month, American pop star Taylor Swift held four sold-out concerts here, attracting a total of 180,000 spectators. Shortly after the concerts ended, the arena began its rigorous renovation work.

The renovation project officially started at the end of May, with several trucks delivering the dismantled components of the pools. Myrtha Pools, an Italian company that has supplied pool facilities for several Olympic Games, is once again a partner for this project.

"If we had said in 2010, when we first started building this arena, that it would host Olympic swimming and water polo events, I think everyone would have thought we were crazy," joked former Mayor of Nanterre, Patrick Jarry, at a recent press conference.

Approximately 150 workers are busy installing the pools and related facilities. It is estimated that 5,000 cubic meters of water will be needed to fill the two pools, one for warming up and one for competition. The entire system is scheduled to be tested by June 27.

"All the work is still ongoing. Besides the pools, the entire environment needs to be considered. The work has been slightly delayed, but we will be able to test the entire system by June 27," said Etienne Thobois, CEO of the Paris Organizing Committee.

The Paris Organizing Committee had initially planned to host the swimming events at the newly built Aquatic Center near the Stade de France. However, due to budget overruns, transportation issues, and cost control measures, the committee ultimately decided to relocate the swimming events to La Defense Arena in Nanterre. The gymnastics events originally planned for this arena have been moved to the Accor Arena in Bercy.

During the Olympics, La Defense Arena's spectator capacity will be limited to 15,000.

"It will be a fiery atmosphere," promised Aurelie Merle, the Director of Sports for the Olympics.

"We're going to do better than Taylor Swift!" exclaimed Denis Navizet, site manager for the organizing committee, highlighting the expected excitement and attendance for the Olympic events.

The first test event will take place in early July, with the Olympic swimming events scheduled from July 27 to August 4. The Paralympic swimming events will also be held at the same venue.

To meet the needs of the Olympic Games, the arena not only requires the installation of the pools but also the completion of timing equipment, media cabling, lighting systems, and sports presentation facilities. This renovation project is considered a "technical feat," with its complexity and scale posing a significant challenge.

After the Olympics, these temporary pools will be dismantled and relocated to Seine-Saint-Denis. One 50-meter pool will be given to Sevran, one 25-meter pool to Bagnolet, and the recipient for the remaining 25-meter pool is still being sought.

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