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The Stade Gerland, designed in 1926 by Tony Garnier, is one of the two World Cup stadiums listed as historic monuments. Inspired by Roman architecture, the stadium is surrounded by a gallery set on a grass embankment and punctuated by four great symbolic gateways. After many alterations throughout the years, Gerland is undergoing a further youthful facelift in readiness for the World Cup.
GERLAND stadium figures
Location: Lyon's 7th arrondissement Easily accessible from city centre
Original inauguration: 1926 by Edouard Herriot Capacity before
refurbishment:42,000 places
Capacity in 1998:
44,000 all seated ALTERATIONS
Renovation operations:
New lay-out of two curved sides of stadium, with new metallo-textile roof to cover them. Restructuring of Jean-Jaurès and Jean Bouin stands, with installation of individual seating, new boxes and improvement of players' areas. Competition equipment, and lighting, sound, display and video monitoring systems to be brought up to World Cup standards.
Reconstruction
operations:Esplanade to be built in front of Jean-Jaurès stand, and square behind the terraces.
Completion date:
September 1997
Architect:
Agibat - Atelier de la Rize
Albert Constantin
i The other stadiums
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Photos SAOLA
LYON:
An out-an-out classic
Since its inception 70 years ago, the Stade Gerland has witnessed countless great football and rugby matches. And last Summer it provided the setting for the Tournoi de France, a succulent foretaste of the coming World Cup a year ahead of the kick-off. Lyon was chosen to host two of the tournament's six matches.
The France-Brazil match (1-1) on 3 June was vintage stuff, it's true, but the Brazil-Italy game on 8 June was an out-and-out classic. A "remake" of the 1994 and 1970 World Cup Finals that fulfilled all expectations. With Italy leading 2-1 at half-time, Brazil fought back to tie it up at 3-3. It was end-to-end football throughout, that had the Gerland crowd on its feet roaringlike Lions!