he stadium was originally slated to be finished in 1972, but the grand opening was cancelled due to a construction workers strike. Further delays ensued due to the stadium's unusual design. As a result, the stadium and tower remained unfinished at the opening of the 1976 Olympic Games.[7]
The roof languished in a warehouse in France until 1982, and only in 1987 were the tower and roof completed.[8] It would be another year before the 66 tonnes, 5,500 m2 (59,000 sq ft) Kevlar roof could retract. Even then, it could not be used in winds above 40 km/h (25 mph). As it was prone to tearing during high winds, the roof was kept closed starting in 1992.