Stade Félix-Bollaert

Stade Félix Bollaert is a football stadium in Lens, France, that was built in 1932. It is the home of RC Lens. The stadium's capacity is 41,233 (larger than Lens' current population of roughly 37,000). It takes its name from a commercial director of a local mining company who died shortly before the inauguration of the stadium. The stadium also hosted matches during the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

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

Architecture

Bollaert 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 the places in the stadium are sitting, however most supporters in the Marek stand as it is considered the kop. This is common in most stadiums where the "hardcore" fans sit behind the nets.

External links

* [http://www.sitercl.com/STADE0/ST00stad.htm Stade Félix-Bollaert on www.sitercl.com]