Stade Bollaert-Delelis (French pronunciation: [stad.fe.liks.bɔ'laʁt]) is the main football stadium in Lens, France, that was built in 1933. It is the home of RC Lens. The stadium's capacity is 41,229 – about 4,000 more than the city's population. This is similar to that of SC Heerenveen ground the Abe Lenstra Stadion which has a bigger capacity than Heerenveen itself. The stadium was originally named after Félix Bollaert, a director of Compagnie des Mines de Lens, who was anxious to promote the development of sports clubs in the city. Construction began in 1931, though Bollaert died shortly before the stadium's inauguration. It was renamed Stade Bollaert-Delelis in 2012 after the death of André Delelis, a politician who served as the Minister of Commerce under President François Mitterrand.
History
The stadium has hosted matches in the following major international tournaments:
Architecture
The stadium is constructed in the English style with four separate stands dedicated respectively to:
- Henri Trannin, native of Bully-les-Mines, Goalkeeper at the club for 18 years, sports director for Lens from 1952 to 1956, passing away in July 1974; it was dedicated on 4 December 1976
- Tony Marek, former player and coach, international in the 50's
- Élie Delacourt, former fans' group president;
- Max Lepagnot, former president of the district of Artois.
All parts of the stadium contain seating. However, most supporters in the Marek, being a side stand, keep standing during the games as it is considered the kop and are considered as the most fervent supporters in the stadium, which makes the stadium different from most of the other stadiums, as the most fervent fans tend to usually sit behind the nets.
Events
1984 European Football Championship
The stadium was one of the venues of the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and held the following matches:
2016 European Football Championship
In May 2011, the stadium has been designated to host the 2016 European Football Championship. To be renovated, the stadium will be closed during the 2014-2015 season.
Other uses
The France national team has played eight matches at the stadium without defeat. Lille played two UEFA Champions League campaigns there when their own stadium was deemed inadequate, in (2001-02 and 2006-07). It hosted the Johnny Hallyday concert in 2009 and a Jehovah's Witnesses gathering in 2006, which created controversy. The stadium is the setting for a scene in the movie Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis, shot during a match between Lens and Nice in April 2007. We hear "Les corons" sung by the public at the end of halftime song.
External links
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