RC Lens president Joseph Oughourlian is considering the possibility of buying Bollaert-Delelis in what could be a landmark moment in the club's history. If the deal goes through, Lens will become one of the few clubs in France to have ownership of its stadium.

Importance of the Bollaert for Lens

Opened in 1933, the venue has been drawing crowds to the stands for years and is considered one of the most iconic stadiums in all of France. Following an upgrade in 2014, Stade Bollaert-Delelis has become a modern complex with a capacity of over 38,000 spectators, and in the 2023/24 season, fans filled the venue 99% of the time which places Lens 1st in the Ligue 1 attendance table.

Since RC Lens returned to Ligue 1 in 2020, the stadium has played a key role in building a supportive atmosphere for the team in every 토토사이트 of game. Joseph Oughourlian is well aware of the importance of owning this iconic venue, as he confirmed in an interview with La Voix du Nord.

© Mairie de Lens

Why does RC Lens want to buy Bollaert?

The purchase of the stadium is seen as a potential investment that could attract capital to the club. As Oughourlian noted, banks and investors prefer stable, tangible assets such as real estate. The chairman sees owning his own stadium not only as a symbol of prestige, but also as a tool to further develop the club. Banks like what we call material things, stone, Oughourlian said, highlighting the economic benefits of owning one's own stadium.

One of the main reasons for considering this decision is also the desire to be independent of external owners and renting the facility. Buying the stadium could open up a number of new opportunities for RC Lens, such as increased revenue from hosting non-sporting events, as well as better control over the infrastructure and its further development.

© passion.foot.stef

Financial plan and challenges

Despite the optimism surrounding the possibility of buying the stadium, Oughourlian stresses that this is a decision that requires a solid financial plan. The purchase itself is only the first step; the club will face further challenges, such as managing the facility, maintaining it in an appropriate state of repair, and maximising the benefits of stadium ownership.

You can't buy a stadium just to own it. It has to be part of a bigger strategy to develop the club. - Oughourlian points out. The chairman realises that the deal has to be well thought out and the whole purchase process planned with attention to detail. Time to make a decision is running out - the club has until 31 December to finalise the deal at the agreed price.

© RC Lens

Unique situation in France

In French football, stadium ownership by a football club is a rarity. Even the biggest teams, such as Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Marseille, rent their facilities from cities. The purchase of Bollaert-Delelis by RC Lens would therefore be a precedent that could set the club apart from its competitors. Oughourlian points out that following the sale of the stadium by Olympique Lyon, RC Lens could become the only club of its size to own its stadium outright.