Visiting the Kindarena
Rouen, the capital of Normandy, is home to a sports arena with a striking, bold design. Sponsored by the brand Kinder and supported by Tony Parker, the former Rouen player who became an NBA legend, this sports complex represents the city's commitment to athletics.
History
The city of Rouen and the Communauté d'agglomération rouennaise (Rouen Area Intercommunal Council) launched the project in 2005. It was entrusted to Dominique Perrault, an acclaimed architect and educator who has received numerous awards. His portfolio includes the François-Mitterrand Library in Paris, Ewha Womans University in Seoul, and the European Court of Justice towers in Luxembourg.
Construction began in 2009, but it was not until September 8, 2012, that the Kindarena officially opened. The project cost 52.4 million EUR (about 57 million USD), fully funded by the Rouen-Elbeuf-Austreberthe agglomeration community.
The Rouen Sports Arena
As you might expect from an architect of his stature, the Kindarena does not look like a standard arena. It features two inverted prisms and uses a mix of stainless steel, concrete, and mirrors to create a unique visual identity.
The building covers 31,540 square meters and includes a main flexible arena with a maximum capacity of 6,000 seats, a second hall holding up to 1,200 seats, a 1,500-square-meter reception and conference space, and all necessary support facilities like locker rooms and a medical suite.
The main arena hosts matches for the Rouen Metropole Basket, a Pro B league club, while the secondary hall serves as the home court for the Rouen Handball club, which competes in National 2.
With tennis, handball, badminton, volleyball, judo, table tennis, and futsal, there are so many events held here every year that you will likely find something of interest. It is a solid reason to visit this atypical structure, which stands as a symbol of the athletic revival in Normandy.
For sports lovers. It is very well located too, just a stone's throw from a bus stop (so it is ideal for those accompanying you who are less into sports). It is not in the prettiest part of the city, sure, but it is still a lively area.