Basketball. Can the Caen Sports Palace accommodate more supporters?

Usable since August 30, the Palais des Sports has a capacity of 4,200 seats during basketball games and 3,650 during handball matches. A victim of its own success, the complex meets international standards to perfection. It has hosted major competitions such as theFrench Judo Championshipsa boxing gala, a futsal tournament with the French team and the Caen Open (tennis).

“We experienced exceptional enthusiasm”

We must not forget those who rocked the venue all year round: The Caen Basket Calvados et Caen Handball. “We have experienced exceptional enthusiasm, it is linked to the new equipment with the Palais des Sports, but it is also thanks to our teams and in particular to the performances of the CBC.” Aristide Olivier, deputy mayor, praises Caen clubs which are an integral part of the success of the Palais des Sports project.

We didn’t expect such a great success, we welcomed a new audience in addition to the regulars, people come to have a good time.

Initial capacity, the result of consultation

Before establishing the Palais des Sports project and determining its capacity, a study was carried out on all the facilities which structure the West of France. After discussing the issue of budgetary costs, Aristide Olivier and his teams found a gauge that suited everyone. “We talked with the clubs. We concluded that in view of previous seasons, expectations, 4,200 people for basketball and 4,500 for handball was perfect, otherwise the step would have been too high.”

We had an exceptional year, but this kind of decision is not made after a year, it is looked at over time.

A possible enlargement?

This is the question many Caen residents are asking themselves: after the success of this year, Is it possible to increase the capacity of the Palais des Sports? According to Aristide Olivier, it is a project which was never envisaged and which above all seems impossible to implement“It’s not possible, we don’t even ask ourselves the question, we need the financial means, we need to give it time to see if the craze lasts.”

Even in the best of worlds, an increase in the number of seats at the Palais des Sports would be unimaginable. “If we forget all the restrictions, if we imagine this on a fictitious level, it is impossible. The Palais des Sports is not formatted for enlargement, it is technically inconceivable« .

Supporters will have to make do with what they already have before they can hope to aim higher.

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