RC Lens Acquires Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Landmark Deal
French Ligue 1 club RC Lens has agreed to purchase its historic home, Stade Bollaert-Delelis, from the City of Lens. The club has played at the stadium since 1933 but will now take full ownership after decades of municipal control. Previously, the city held the title since 1976, while RC Lens operated the stadium under a long-term lease and managed maintenance, facing financial limits after renovations for UEFA Euro 2016.
The stadium was valued at €54.9 million by the French Ministry of Finance, but the sale price was set at €27 million. This reflects the club’s commitments to preserve the stadium’s name for 20 years, assume lease obligations and loans, and the limited resale value.
RC Lens president Joseph Oughourlian said ownership will allow greater freedom to invest and plan long term, including possible expansion. Lens Mayor Sylvain Robert praised the deal for securing the club’s future and aiding municipal finances.
https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2025/05/22/rc-lens-agrees-deal-to-acquire-stadium/
NAC Breda Begins Expansion of Rat Verlegh Stadion
Dutch Eredivisie club NAC Breda has started renovation work at Rat Verlegh Stadion to increase capacity and modernise facilities. The project began after the final home game of the season against Willem II.
The expansion focuses on the Eretribune and Hoofdtribune stands, adding around 1,500 to 1,600 new seats for both public and commercial use. To fit the new seating, the pitch will be lowered by 1.5 metres, allowing for sustainable infrastructure below. The turf and dugouts will also be upgraded. The club plans to refurbish commercial areas during the summer.
CEO Remco Oversier said the project is part of NAC Breda’s strategy to achieve financial independence and sustainable growth, aiming for turnover above €20 million. Known as the ‘Siege of Verlegh’, the initiative reflects the club’s goal to fully own the stadium, currently owned by the City of Breda, with discussions about ownership ongoing.
https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2025/05/22/nac-breda-begins-stadium-expansion-project/
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise to Submit Application for New Stadium Construction Permit
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (RUSG) plans to submit an application for a construction permit for a new stadium in the coming weeks, Brussels Secretary of State Ans Persoons announced recently.
The club, which has gained prominence in Belgian football in recent years, wants to acquire land in the Bempt area, owned by the municipality and currently used for logistics and sports activities. However, the negotiations have not been smooth, prompting the Brussels Region to intervene as a mediator to reach a framework agreement acceptable to all parties.
Currently, RUSG plays its matches at Stade Joseph Marien. Due to the limited capacity of 9,400 spectators, RUSG has played some European cup matches at other stadiums, such as those in Leuven or Anderlecht.
The new stadium is expected to accommodate approximately 16,000 spectators and meet modern standards for both football and athletics. The project aims to secure the club’s future for the next 50–60 years.
Atlético de Madrid Installs 360° LED ‘Sky Ribbon’ at Metropolitano
Atlético de Madrid has started installing a 400-metre elliptical LED screen called the ‘Sky Ribbon’ at the Cívitas Metropolitano stadium. Developed with LG Electronics, this 360-degree screen will wrap around the stadium’s roof, offering an immersive visual experience for fans.
This installation is part of a wider upgrade adding over 2,000 square metres of high-performance LED displays inside and outside the stadium. These improvements aim to enhance fan engagement and establish the Metropolitano as one of Europe’s most technologically advanced arenas.
Work began during the off-season, with completion planned before upcoming summer concerts and the next La Liga season. The project highlights Atlético’s commitment to using innovative technology to improve the matchday atmosphere and overall spectator experience.
https://stadiumdb.com/news/2025/05/spain_elliptical_led_screen_installation_begins_at_metropolitano
Barcelona Plans August Return to Camp Nou Amid Renovations
FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta has confirmed the club’s plan to return to the renovated Spotify Camp Nou in August 2025, after two seasons at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys due to redevelopment.
The club intends to host the Joan Gamper Trophy on 9 or 10 August as a test event to evaluate pitch conditions and access. To prepare, Barcelona has requested early LaLiga matches be played away from home.
Part of the Espai Barça project, the renovation will increase capacity to 105,000 and add a new roof, among other upgrades. Although full completion is expected in 2026, the club plans a phased reopening with limited capacity initially.
Laporta stressed that, barring unexpected delays, Barcelona will not extend its stay at Estadi Olímpic, marking a key milestone in returning to Camp Nou.
Malmö Unveils Sustainable Design for New Stadium
The City of Malmö has chosen a design by C.F. Møller Architects, Elding Oscarson, and DIFK for a new athletics and football stadium to replace the 1958 Malmö Stadion. Selected from four international entries, the new stadium will seat over 8,000 spectators, with room for future expansion, and meet international standards for football and athletics.
The design features a low-profile, elliptical shape with a transparent façade of light ceramic louvres, blending into the cityscape. Sustainability is a key focus, with plans to reuse materials from the old stadium and incorporate solar panels, timber, and low-carbon concrete.
Beyond sporting events, the stadium will function as a community hub, hosting activities for schools and local groups throughout the year. Construction is expected to start in 2026 and complete by 2028.
https://stadiumdb.com/news/2025/05/sweden_new_stadium_design_in_malmo_announced
Zaragoza’s Temporary Stadium Nears Completion
Real Zaragoza’s temporary stadium, the Mini Romareda, is almost finished after five months of construction. Located in the Actur district’s Parking Norte area, this modular venue will host the club’s home games for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 seasons while La Romareda undergoes full redevelopment.
Built by Nussli Iberia and MLN, the stadium uses modular technology for quick assembly and holds over 20,000 spectators, including 36 accessible seats. Its steep stands bring fans close to the pitch, enhancing atmosphere. The venue also includes locker rooms, media facilities, hospitality areas, and a fan zone with food outlets.
The natural grass pitch is laid in refrigerated rolls. Sustainable construction methods and reusable materials are part of the project. Although there is no roof due to budget limits, four corner towers will reduce wind impact and improve acoustics.
The Mini Romareda is set to open by early June 2025, allowing Zaragoza to continue hosting matches smoothly.
Facade Dismantling and Legal Disputes Delay Nowy Sącz Stadium Project
Construction of the new Sandecja Stadium in Nowy Sącz, Poland, has encountered significant setbacks. Recent inspections revealed that the protective coating on the façade mesh was applied too thinly, compromising its durability. Consequently, the façade elements are being dismantled and returned to the supplier, AceroSystem, for proper finishing.
Compounding the issue, Blackbird, the former general contractor, has accused the city of unlawfully continuing construction without proper permits and violating copyright laws. Blackbird has filed complaints with various authorities, including the County Building Supervision Inspector and the Regional Prosecutor’s Office, alleging gross violations of public finance discipline and abuse of power.
Despite previous assurances that the stadium would be operational by August 2025, these developments suggest further delays. The project, initially slated for completion in 2024, now faces an uncertain timeline due to ongoing legal disputes and construction challenges.
3D Digital Venue Partners with Qabastech to Expand in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf
Barcelona-based 3D Digital Venue has entered into a strategic partnership with Saudi company Qabastech to expand its footprint in Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. The collaboration supports 3D Digital Venue’s international growth strategy and taps into the Kingdom’s fast-growing sports and entertainment sectors.
With Saudi Arabia positioning itself as a global hub for live events – particularly ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup – the partnership aims to deliver cutting-edge digital solutions for venues and ticketing providers. Together, the companies will offer 3D venue visualisation, seat-level digital replicas, ticketing optimisation, and operations management services.
Qabastech, a key player in the region’s digital transformation efforts, will work with 3D Digital Venue to enhance fan experiences and streamline event operations across sports and entertainment properties.
Initial joint activations are planned in the coming months, targeting scalable, future-ready solutions for clients throughout the region.
