Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens, France
Stade Bollaert-Delelis, located in Lens, has been an iconic venue since its opening in 1933. Currently boasting a capacity of 38,223, the stadium is intriguingly larger than the population of Lens by around 7,000. Serving as the home ground for Ligue 1 team Lens, the stadium derives its name from Felix Bollaert, a director of Compagnie des Mines de Lens who played a crucial role in fostering sports clubs in the city, and Andre Delelis, a former mayor of Lens.
The stadium's architecture follows the English style, featuring four distinct stands dedicated to individuals significant to the club or the town – Henri Trannin, Tony Marek, Elle Delacourt, and Max Lepagnot. Beyond Lens games, Stade Bollaert-Delelis has been a host for various international tournaments, including matches during the 1984 and 2016 European Championships, the 1998 World Cup, and the 1999 and 2007 Rugby World Cup, solidifying its status as a versatile and historic sports venue.