Depeche Mode Opens Bordeaux Metropole Arena

– Bordeaux Metropole Arena rendering
Depeche Mode plays the first concert on Jan. 24

The new 11,300-capacity arena in Bordeaux will host its first public concert tonight, Jan. 24, when Depeche Mode brings its “Global Spirit Tour” to France.

Construction of the new venue began in January 2016. The entire project cost €75 million ($92 million). Bordeaux Metropole Arena boasts a modular room, allowing for 20 possible configurations to accommodate 2,500 to 11,300 spectators. Even in its maximum-capacity configuration the arena maintains a theater feel.

– Bordeaux Metropole Arena
examples of different arena configurations

The venue is located on the bank of the river Garonne, and architect Rudy Ricciotti designed it to look like a pebble washed ashore. Lagardère Live Entertainment, the same company that operates a couple of iconic French venues, including the Bataclan and the Zenith de Paris, is also in charge of the Bordeaux Metropole Arena.

The next big international names to play the venue include Shakira on June 24, and Lenny Kravitz on July 10.