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The geographical position of Lens perhaps explains why its stadium has such an "English feel to it." The Félix Bollaert stadium is, more than any other contruction, a symbol of the contrasts of the city of Lens. Indeed, many times during the year, it welcomes more visitors than the city's entire population! This unique phenomenon is a sign of the whole region's craze for football, and certainly bodes well for the organisation of the World Cup new year.
Félix BOLLAERT stadium figures
Location: 10 minutes from downtown and from the train/TGV station Highway exit at the stadium
First inaugurated: 1932 Capacity before
renovation:49,581 places, including 32,000 standing Capacity in 1998: 41,275 seats ALTERATIONS
Renovation operations: Access rows to the MAREK-LOUIS stand to be widened New sound system New ligting New scoreboards surveillance new video monitoring system
Reconstruction
operations:Construction of the TRANNIN (inaugurated in February 96) and DELACOURT (public opening in August 96) stands. Reconstruction of the LEPAGNOT, also called presidential, stand, with new prestige and media seats.
Date of completion: July 1997 Architect: Milan MARTIC
i The other stadiums
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Photos SAOLA
LENS: 2 November...
a very special date
There's no doubt that the atmosphere at the Felix Bollaert stadium is among the best in France. The people of Lens are famous for the fervent and loyal support they give to their very own Racing Club.
One date that stands out in everyone's memory is 2 November 1977 when Lens faced Lazio in the second leg of a UEFA Cup round of sixteen. The Romans had won the first leg 2-0, the ideal scoreline, so the "northerners" were really up against it. But thanks to a dazzling performance by French international winger Didier Six, they had pulled back to 2-2 at the end of ninety minutes. Extra-time had something very special in store as Lens added four more goals! The Racing Club men had really shown their metal.