Stade Bollaert-Delelis.

History

About Stade Bollaert-Delelis

Stade Bollaert-Delelis opened in 1933 as Stade Félix-Bollaert, named for the director of the Compagnie des mines de Lens who oversaw its construction in the former coalfields of Pas-de-Calais. The ground was built specifically for RC Lens, then a club run by the local mining company, and the connection to the region's industrial heritage has shaped the ground's identity ever since. The stadium was renamed in 2012 to add the surname of André Delelis, the former mayor of Lens and minister under François Mitterrand, in recognition of his role in the ground's reconstruction. Successive refurbishments for Euro 84, the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and Euro 2016 lifted capacity through the years. The current 38,223 figure is notable because it is greater than the population of Lens itself (roughly 30,800 at the most recent census) — a ratio unique among major European football grounds.

Seating layout

Stade Bollaert-Delelis seating plan & capacity

Bollaert-Delelis is a complete, four-stand bowl with no major gaps at the corners — the configuration keeps crowd noise locked inside the ground. The Tribune Delacourt (south) is the loudest section. The Tribune Marek lower midfield offers the best sight-lines. Premium hospitality is concentrated along the Tribune Marek upper.

• Tribune Marek

  Side stand along the touchline, two tiers. Named in honour of Maryan Wisniewski's grandson and other RC Lens stalwarts. Houses the directors' box and the main hospitality areas.

• Tribune Lepagnot

  Side stand opposite the Marek, two tiers. Houses the players' tunnel and the main press tribune.

• Tribune Trannin (North)

  Behind the north goal, two tiers. Named for Joseph Trannin, the former RC Lens player. Houses the away allocation in a corner for Ligue 1 and European fixtures.

• Tribune Delacourt (South)

  Behind the south goal — the spiritual home of RC Lens' most vocal support, headquarters of the Red Tigers ultras and the Lensois supporters' groups. Among the loudest single stands in French football.

Getting there

How to get to Stade Bollaert-Delelis

Stade Bollaert-Delelis is at 62300, Lens, France.

Train

Lens SNCF station is roughly a 15-minute walk to the south-west of the ground. Matchday TER services run from Lille Flandres and Arras, with onward shuttle bus connections.

Bus

Tadao bus routes 11 and 31 stop near the stadium on matchdays.

Walk

From Lens city centre via Avenue Alfred Maes: roughly 10-15 minutes on foot.

Drive

From the A21 autoroute, take exit 6.1 toward Lens-Centre and follow signs to the stadium.

Parking

Matchday parking around the stadium is limited and largely permit-restricted. The Lens train station car park and the Avion park-and-ride are the most reliable matchday options.

FAQ

Stade Bollaert-Delelis ticket FAQs