36 | SPORTS VENUES 2023/24 www.stadiaworld.com At the beginning of 2016, the French stadium landscape was enriched by a new attraction. After construction had begun in July 2013, the ceremonial opening of Groupama Stadium took place on January 9, 2016. Jean-Michel Aulas, former president of Olympique Lyon, the main user of the stadium, was visibly moved on the day of the opening and spoke of “perhaps the best day of my life”. The reason for the construction of the 410 million euro building was the 2016 European Football Championship – the venue was one of a total of ten stadiums for the tournament. The construction was financed by OL Groupe, which also owns the club Olympique Lyon. The first designs for the venue had already been published in 2007, and the result was one of the best sports venues in the country. The choice fell on the design of the architectural office Populous, which was awarded the prize for the best architecture and design project for this construction by the British Expertise International Awards 2018. “We have a very modern stadium, equipped with the latest technologies,” says Deputy General Manager Xavier Pierrot. For instance, those responsible are relying on full LED lighting in the stadium, a Stadium and arena in a double pack The Groupama Stadium, home of Olympique Lyon, is not only the third largest stadium in France – it also impresses with technical and sustainable innovations. Directly next door, another venue is currently being built: the LDLC Arena. The Groupama Stadium is the third largest stadium in France with space for approximately 60,000 people. Picture: Populous/Intens-cité/S. Guiochon
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