Stade Bollaert-Delelis Stadium

The Stade Bollaert-Delelis (French pronunciation: ​[stad bɔlaʁt dələlis]) 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 38,058 – about 7,000 more than the city's population. The stadium was originally named after Felix 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 Andre Delelis, former mayor of the city and politician who served as the Minister of Commerce under President Francois Mitterrand.

History

The stadium has hosted matches in the following major international tournaments:

• 1984 European Championship
• 1998 FIFA World Cup
• 1999 Rugby World Cup
• 2007 Rugby World Cup
• 2016 European Championship

Events

UEFA Euro 1984

1998 FIFA World Cup

The stadium was one of the venues of the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and held the following matches:

1999 Rugby World Cup

2007 Rugby World Cup

UEFA Euro 2016

In May 2011, the stadium was designated to host the 2016 European Football Championship. To be renovated, the stadium was 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.

This page also has a version in other languages :  Стадион Боллар-Делелис (russian)