A crucial step for the new stadium in Montpellier. After four years of twists and turns its new location was revealed. MHSC’s new venue will be located in place of Ode à la Mer, in Pérols.

Two options of the location

A steering committee was set up to study different locations for the new ground. If Laurent Nicollin hoped for Cambacérès, as initially planned, the thing was impossible for the new mayor of Montpellier. Two locations were still in the balance in recent weeks with the point of Odysseum and Ode à la Mer in Pérols.

Finally, according to the joint statement of the mayor of Montpellier Michaël Delafosse and the president of Montpellier Hérault SC Laurent Nicollin we know significantly more. The new Montpellier football stadium will be built in Pérols, on the site where the Ode à la Mer shopping center was supposed to be located. 

To choose the location of this new stadium we have prioritized mobility. We are going to build parking lots on the site which will be used during the week and at weekends for matches. added Michaël Delafosse, mayor of Montpellier.

Former mayor Philippe Saurel had planned to build the new stadium in the Cambaceres district before the site was delayed for reasons of air safety. 

A unique gift for 50th anniversary

Montpellier Herault Sport Club, champions of the top league from the 2011/12 season, was originally founded in 1919. However, the current entity was founded through a merger in 1974. On the occasion of the upcoming 50th anniversary, which coincides in 2024, the club will be gifted with the brand new venue for approximetely 25,000 fans. 

No detailed descriptions of the new French arena have been published yet. What we know from the press release is that the new venue will include entertainment and social areas such e-gaming spaces, corporate offices, sport medicine rooms and hotel with a restaurant. Last but not least a museum and official fan shop will be built within the new infrastructure. 

This site plan was drawn during the mayoral campaign of Michaël Delafosse, the stadium illustrated is actually Allianz Riviera from Nice, used here as a placeholder for the eventual Montpellier venue.

The new site will be open 365 days a year. Substantial parking offer, tram stop and proximity to the motorway, airport and TGV station will make it fully accessible. A 100% private project, being founded by MHSC, Nicollin Group and local partners, it’s estimated at €180 million. Laurent Nicollin specifies that among the investors we will find Fontès, Oc Santé, Tissot, FDI and GGL. It aims to exclude any taxpayers financial engagement. 

I am a happy president, we are moving forward! And I confirm that the future MHSC stadium will be called the Louis Nicollin stadium. Laurent Nicollin explained briefly.

Montpellier currently plays in Ligue 1, the top level of French football and plays its home matches at the Stade de la Mosson. The stadium located on the west of the city was inaugurated in 1972, renovated twice and enlarged to host six games of the 1998 FIFA World Cup. In 2014 it was affected by the city's mass flooding, damaging the club's pitch, gym, changing rooms and offices. When the new arena is finished, the current venue will remain active and will offer a lot. It will be converted into a sports complex, in particular to accommodate amateur clubs.

The club is owned by Laurent Nicollin, the son of the late Louis Nicollin, a French entrepreneur. He had been the owner of the team since 1974. The club has produced several famous players in its history, most notably Laurent Blanc, who has served as manager of the France national team.

Author: Karol Tatar