How FC Metz Turned Saint-Symphorien Stadium into a Seven-Day-a-Week Venue

When Julien Ducassé, Deputy CEO of FC Metz Stadium, outlined the club’s redevelopment strategy for Saint-Symphorien, he presented a striking example of how a traditional football ground can be reshaped into a multifunctional, year-round destination. His case study — shared during the 12th ESSMA Summit — showcased a project rooted not in cosmetic upgrades, but in a complete redefinition of what a stadium can be.

ESSMA Editorial

08 Dec 2025 · 1 min read

Once an ageing and fragmented structure, Saint-Symphorien has been transformed through a long-term vision made possible after the club secured full control of the venue. At the centre of this transformation stands the new South Stand, now the operational core of a seven-day-a-week business ecosystem. It houses modular event spaces, premium hospitality, commercial offices, a coworking floor and a rapidly expanding MICE programme.

This shift has enabled FC Metz to diversify revenue streams and reduce reliance on sporting performance. Long-term commercial leases, in-house catering, a 500-member business club and large-scale concerts have repositioned the stadium as a central economic and cultural anchor for the region.

Ducassé noted that the redevelopment remains ongoing. Upcoming phases include new corner developments, additional real-estate areas, a 400-seat auditorium and active naming-rights negotiations — each reinforcing a future-proofed model of stadium operation.

FC Metz’s journey shows how multifunctional design, strategic planning and year-round activation can reshape a stadium into a sustainable business engine.

ESSMA members can access:

The full in-depth article, including all insights and operational learnings, exclusively on our Publications page.
The complete presentation by Julien Ducassé, also available only to members on the Publications page.