AHF: Yves-du-Manoir Stadium: A century long legacy of Olympic excellence

Lausanne, Switzerland: In the heart of Colombes, a serene suburb of Paris, stands the majestic Yves-du-Manoir Stadium, a beacon of sporting heritage and excellence. As the countdown to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris gains momentum, this historic arena prepares to once again witness the electrifying spectacle of hockey, echoing the spirit of its illustrious past.

Nestled amidst lush greenery, the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium boasts a legacy that transcends time. Back in 1924, it stood as the proud host of the VIII Olympiad, welcoming athletes and spectators from across the globe to celebrate the pinnacle of sporting prowess. Among the events that captivated the world was hockey.

Fast forward a century, and the echoes of history reverberate once more as the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium gears up to reclaim its place on the Olympic stage. The anticipation continues to rise as players, coaches, and fans alike eagerly await the chance to etch their names alongside the legends who once graced these hallowed grounds.

For the athletes, competing at Yves-du-Manoir will be more than just a quest for gold; it’ll be a homage to those who paved the way before them. When they step onto the pristine turf, they will feel the presence of past champions, their spirits fueling the determination to strive for greatness.

But it’s not just the athletes who will feel the weight of history; it’s the spectators too. When they fill the stands, they will become part of a tradition that goes back a century, bound together by a shared love for the game and a reverence for the venue that has borne witness to triumphs and defeats alike.

When the first whistle blows and the game begins, the air will crackle with excitement, and the stadium will come alive once more. Every pass, every tackle, every goal will be greeted with roars of approval, which will be a testament to the enduring passion for hockey that transcends generations.

Test Event

On 4 and 5 May, a test event was held to conduct all the operational checks of the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium ahead of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Various junior and senior teams were in action and the athletes were buzzing as they spoke to us after their matches and shared their excitement about hockey at the upcoming games.

Nike Lorenz, captain of the German women’s hockey team said, “It is a beautiful stadium and I can’t wait to see it once it is branded fully and filled with fans for the Olympics. The whole team is excited and we are thrilled to be involved in the test event.”

Victor Lockwood, who will be among the most crucial players for the men’s team from France added, “It’s an amazing feeling playing here and we are getting impatient to play in the Olympics. We have been playing here for three weeks now and we are growing together as a team.”

Niklas Wellen, player of the tournament and gold medal winner at the recent FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023, said, “We can already feel that the atmosphere in the main stands will be absolutely electric. It’s been a good experience for us to get to know the stadium and I really like it.”

Tony Estanguet, President of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 Organising Committee, was in attendance at the test event in the Yves-du-Manoir stadium. Speaking about the significant history of the stadium he remarked, “The Yves-du-Manoir stadium has been a very important part of the French sports movement and we are excited to be back here. 100 years after we had the opening ceremony and many other events in the stadium during the 1924 Paris Olympics, we are proud to have hockey played here in this historic venue.” He also extended a warm welcome to the global hockey fans and said, “We are looking forward to the fans filling up the stadium and bringing an amazing atmosphere. The entire country is ready and excited for Paris 2024, we just need you fans here and we look forward to having you!”

For more details about Hockey at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, visit Olympics.Hockey.

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