Featured image credit: Olympique Lyonnais
US wrestling promotion WWE has continued its recent overseas events drive after announcing plans for WWE Backlash France, which will take place at Lyon’s new LDLC Arena on May 4 next year.
It will mark the first WWE premium live event to be held in France. On May 3, WWE will also deliver a SmackDown show from LDLC Arena, marking the first time it has broadcast from France.
LDLC Arena is due to open later this month. With a capacity of 16,000, it will be the largest arena in France outside Paris and will also be one of the most technologically and environmentally advanced in Europe.
The arena is owned by Ligue 1 football club Olympique Lyonnais. In September, it emerged that the club was seeking to give up part or full control of the arena as part of wider efforts by its new ownership group to shore up its financial position.
LDLC Arena has been designed by Populous and will also host EuroLeague basketball matches for LDLC ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne. The arena will have a capacity of 12,000 for sporting events.
Last month, WWE announced plans for its first major event in Germany, with Mercedes-Benz Arena to host ‘Bash in Berlin’ on August 31, 2024. WWE will stage the event in partnership with Live Nation.
In September, WWE announced that it would be returning to Australia for the first time since 2018, with Perth’s Optus Stadium to host the Elimination Chamber event on February 24.
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