The most blue of all French stadia is finally being opened today. First game in the evening and tomorrow sightseeing, free for all. Only with us you can get a preview before everyone else!

Havre is a dockland city and the new ground stands close to water. Thus the maritime theme is no surprise – neither in its name, nor in the colours.

Already in initial renderings the design was blue to the bone. Blue seats inside, blue polycarbonate foil covering its façades, blue light inside as sun comes inside through the translucent cladding and outside – when lit from inside at night. This was the idea of renowned architecture practices SCAU (France) and KSS (England) who are behind France's latest football venue.

Some accents in different colours like bright red corridors or yellow-black catering stands do exist, but aren't spoiling the overwhelming shades of blue.

The stadium was thought to cost some €90m initially, but despite lack of delays in construction phase budget stands at €101 as the process is over. Since May the ground is being equipped and prepared by a club-ran company to become one of Ligue 2's most impressive venues.