GL events New Operators of Stade de France
GL events has been selected as the new concessionaire of the Stade de France and will assume responsibility for the operation and modernisation of the national stadium for a 30-year period beginning on 5 August 2025.
The contract, which runs until 2055, was signed on 16 June 2025 by the French ministers of Economy and of Sports on behalf of the state. It follows a competitive tender procedure launched in 2023 and the rejection of the final appeal by the previous operator, the Stade de France Consortium composed of Vinci and Bouygues, by the Administrative Court of Montreuil. The former consortium had operated the venue since its inauguration in 1998.
The French government defined several objectives for the new concession: to maintain the Stade de France at leading European standards in terms of capacity, quality of facilities and services; to increase the number and diversity of sporting and cultural events; to make the stadium a driver of ecological transition; and to strengthen its role in the attractiveness of the territory. All modernisation, accessibility and energy-efficiency investments are to be financed by the concessionaire. GL events has announced investments of approximately 120 million euros (approx. 140m USD / 104m GBP), with the works scheduled from 2027 onwards and planned without interrupting ongoing operations.
Development concept and event diversification
As an integrated event industry group, GL events intends to establish the Stade de France as a year-round destination, active 365 days a year. Beyond its continued use for football, rugby and concerts, the venue is to be opened to new formats such as baseball, American football and e-sports. Additional facilities including a restaurant, museum and immersive spaces are planned. Hospitality services and spectator areas will be reconfigured and modernised. The project is supported by Wilmotte & Associés, INGEROP and Paris Entertainment Company as technical partners.
The Stade de France is not only the largest stadium of the country, but since its opening it has constantly been in the focus of major events. The next years are full of highlights – but there were also dark hours. Find a portrait of the stadium here.
The concession places emphasis on close cooperation with local stakeholders, including municipalities, federations, event organisers, businesses and associations. A strategic committee will oversee the balance between economic objectives, public uses and the wider role of the stadium. Measures announced include the creation of a sports campus, the establishment of an academy, the integration of solidarity kiosks and a socially responsible café developed in cooperation with organisations such as Sport dans la Ville and Les Canaux.
Sustainability goals
GL events has set a target to reduce the stadium’s energy consumption by 60 percent. The concept foresees the use of efficient and sustainable solutions and the involvement of the entire value chain in decarbonisation efforts.
The operational takeover in August 2025 coincides with concerts already scheduled, including two performances by AC/DC. The stadium continues to be a central venue for professional football and rugby, though the French Football Federation has not yet concluded a new lease agreement and is evaluating additional host venues. The French Rugby Federation has confirmed that several international matches in the 2025/26 season will be played in alternative stadiums such as Stade Matmut-Atlantique in Bordeaux and Decathlon Arena Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille. (stadiaworld, 20.08.2025)
