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Stade Raymond Kopa

Stade Raymond Kopa is a football stadium located in Angers, France, serving as the home ground for the Ligue 1 club Angers Sporting Club de l'Ouest (Angers SCO). With a current seating capacity of 19,800 spectators, it features a hybrid natural grass pitch measuring 105 meters by 68 meters and is owned by the City of Angers under a 35-year lease agreement with the club signed in 2018. Renamed in March 2017 to honor Raymond Kopa, the legendary French footballer and former Angers SCO player who passed away that year, the stadium stands as a key venue for professional matches and community events in the region. Originally constructed in 1912 as Stade Bessonneau by local industrialist Bessonneau, the venue was acquired by the City of in 1957 and renamed Stade Jean Bouin following major renovations that replaced its athletics track with the Saint-Léonard stand to better accommodate . Subsequent upgrades have modernized the facility, including the 1993 addition of the Colombier stand to meet First Division standards—inspired by Marseille's —the 2010-2011 replacement of the "la butte" terrace for improved spectator comfort, and the 2015 refurbishment of the presidential stand with new seating and hospitality areas. Between 2019 and 2022, the Saint-Léonard stand was extensively renovated, boosting overall capacity and incorporating amenities like two giant screens and an amphitheater. In addition to hosting Angers SCO's matches, Stade Raymond Kopa features contemporary facilities such as the Panoramique restaurant, opened in 2023, and serves as a multi-purpose venue for events beyond football. Located at Boulevard de Coubertin in the Lac de Maine district, approximately 2 kilometers southwest of Angers city center, it is accessible by bus lines 2, 9, and 12 or a 30-minute walk from the train station. Plans for a major renovation to expand capacity to 20,000 seats and transform it into a more permanent community hub have been announced, though as of late 2025, works remain in the planning phase.

History

Construction and opening

The Stade Raymond Kopa traces its origins to 1912, when it was built as the Stade Bessonneau by Angevin industrialist Julien Bessonneau on a site within the 35-hectare grounds of the Bessonneau factories, land previously allocated to industrial operations such as textile production and rope-making. Funded by the Bessonneau family through their company, the Société anonyme des filatures, corderies et tissages d’—established in —the stadium was named in honor of the industrialist family and initially functioned as a multi-sport venue for company employees as part of the newly formed Club Sportif Bessonneau. The original architecture adopted a simple open layout typical of early 20th-century sports facilities, featuring a central encircled by a 400-meter cinder athletics track 6 meters wide, along with zones for field events like long and high jumps, discus, , and grenade throws. Wooden stands with large supporting posts provided covered seating for over 2,000 spectators, while surrounding open terraces accommodated standing crowds, yielding an estimated total capacity of around 10,000 in its early configuration; supporting infrastructure included changing rooms, a area, , and a reception hall. Inaugurated on 29 December , the stadium opened to limited use in 1913 after modest initial setup costs of 8,260 francs, hosting its inaugural match on 18 May 1913, pitting the Club Sportif Bessonneau against an English visiting team, followed by the first public athletics competition on 14 September 1913. Local clubs, including the employee-based Club Sportif Bessonneau, utilized the venue for various sports through the , with full development—including expanded facilities—completed by at a total cost exceeding 1.1 million francs. , founded in 1919 by the Fortin brothers, established its primary tenancy that year, contesting its debut official match there on 19 October 1919 against Stade Nantais Université Club, marking the start of the club's long association with the site.

Name changes

The stadium, originally constructed in 1912, was named Stade Bessonneau in recognition of the Bessonneau family's financial contributions to its development, as Julien Bessonneau funded the private initiative behind the venue's creation on land near Rue Saint-Léonard. This name reflected the private ownership and patronage tied to the local Bessonneau manufacturing enterprise, which also sponsored the associated Club Sportif Bessonneau. In 1957, following the City of ' acquisition of the stadium from private hands in 1955, it was renamed Stade Municipal to signify its transition to public ownership and administration. This change aligned with broader administrative shifts in municipal management of sports facilities in , emphasizing community access over private sponsorship. The venue underwent another renaming in 1968 to Stade Jean-Bouin, honoring Jean Bouin, the renowned French athlete and rugby player who won silver in the 5,000 meters at the 1912 Olympics and later died in service. The decision marked a tribute to local and national sporting heritage, coinciding with upgrades that enhanced the stadium's role in regional athletics and . On March 27, 2017, shortly after Raymond Kopa's death on March 3, the city council officially renamed the stadium Stade Raymond Kopa to commemorate the French footballer, who began his professional career with from 1949 to 1951 before achieving international acclaim, including the 1958 . This renaming, proposed by Mayor Christophe Béchu on March 6, celebrated Kopa's ties to the city and club as a symbol of Angevins pride in football history. The change has remained in effect since, underscoring ongoing efforts to link the venue to influential figures from the region's past.

Renovations and expansions

In 1957, following the city's acquisition of the stadium, significant renovations were undertaken to transform it into a dedicated venue. The athletics track was removed, concrete stands including the Saint-Léonard tribune on the eastern side were constructed, and access improvements were implemented, boosting the to approximately 21,000 spectators. The next major upgrades occurred in 1993, prompted by Angers SCO's to , requiring compliance with professional league standards. These works involved a complete , notably the addition of the curved Colombier stand behind the southern goal, along with enhancements to , seating, and safety features to modernize the facility. In 2010–2011, the "la butte" was replaced to improve spectator comfort. Improvements in 2011 also focused on enhancing quality, with the playing surface upgraded with better drainage systems to ensure playability in adverse weather conditions. Partial roof installations were added to select stands. In 2015, the presidential stand was refurbished with new seating and areas. The most extensive renovation project spanned 2018 to 2023, led by architect Studio d'architecture Bruno Huet, with a total cost of €35 million. Conducted in phases to minimize disruption to matches, it included the replacement of the Colombier stand (adding 4,582 seats in 2017–2018) and the construction of a new Saint-Léonard main stand (5,139 seats in 2020–2022) featuring suites, a cantilevered , energy-efficient LED floodlights at 2,500 , office spaces, and event facilities. These changes improved functionality by bringing stands closer to the , increasing overall capacity toward 20,000, and ensuring adherence to regulations for elite competitions.

Facilities

Layout and capacity

The Stade Raymond Kopa features an all-seater configuration with a total capacity of 19,800 spectators following the completion of renovations in 2023. This capacity reflects the stadium's transformation into a fully enclosed venue optimized for comfort and safety, accommodating fans across its primary seating areas without standing sections. The layout is organized around four main stands surrounding the pitch: the Tribune Jean-Bouin, serving as the principal stand (Tribune Présidentielle) with integrated VIP loges and hospitality suites; the Tribune Coubertin opposite it; the Tribune Saint-Léonard along one sideline, recently rebuilt to include 5,272 seats; and the Tribune Colombier at the opposite end. Corner sections, such as Virage A adjacent to the Tribune Saint-Léonard, provide additional enclosed seating to connect the stands and enhance the stadium's cohesive design. Accessibility is integrated throughout, complying with contemporary standards for individuals with disabilities, including dedicated PMR (personnes à mobilité réduite) zones equipped with ramps and reserved seating in the Jean-Bouin and other areas. Elevators and adapted pathways ensure equitable access to upper levels and hospitality spaces. Aesthetically, the 2023 renovations introduced a facade with metallic structures and glass elements on the new Saint-Léonard, complemented by integrated LED lighting for enhanced visibility and event ambiance; a panoramic named Le Panoramique atop this stand offers elevated views of the pitch, blending functionality with contemporary design.

Pitch and infrastructure

The pitch at Stade Raymond Kopa measures 105 meters in length by 68 meters in width, in line with standard specifications for professional matches. The playing surface employs the system, which integrates natural turf with synthetic fibers to improve durability, reduce maintenance needs, and minimize player injuries during intensive use. This technology was implemented as part of earlier upgrades to support high-level competition hosted by primary tenant . Key infrastructure elements include LED floodlighting installed on the stadium roofs, delivering an average illuminance of 2,500 lux to meet standards for evening fixtures. The facility includes and incorporates effective drainage mechanisms typical of modern European stadiums to manage precipitation and ensure consistent playing conditions. As part of the ongoing 2018–2023 renovation, video screens measuring 38.2 square meters were added at key corners to display replays and information, alongside updated scoreboards for improved visibility. Behind-the-scenes facilities comprise modern player dressing rooms equipped for both teams, including recovery areas, and a dedicated media center for operations and . Adjacent to the main stadium, the La Baumette training complex provides multiple pitches for daily practice sessions.

Usage

Primary tenant and matches

The Stade Raymond Kopa serves as the primary home venue for , a professional club founded in 1919 that has utilized the stadium for its matches since the club's early years in the 1920s. The facility, originally constructed in 1912, has been integral to the club's operations throughout its history, hosting home games across various divisions of . Ownership of the stadium rests with the City of Angers, while Angers SCO is responsible for its day-to-day operation and maintenance under a long-term emphyteutic lease agreement signed in 2018, effective from the 2018–2019 season and spanning 35 years. This arrangement allows the club to manage investments and upkeep, ensuring the venue aligns with professional standards for Ligue 1 competitions, to which Angers SCO was promoted in May 2015 after a 21-year absence from the top flight. Since then, the stadium has regularly hosted Ligue 1 fixtures, including notable encounters such as the club's inaugural top-flight season games. One significant historical match occurred on April 26, 1969, when Angers SCO faced Olympique de Marseille, drawing a crowd that underscored the venue's capacity for major league action during the club's earlier top-division stints. The stadium's name honors , a legend who began his professional career with , playing 60 matches and scoring 15 goals for the club from 1949 to 1951 before moving to greater prominence with and Real Madrid. Following Kopa's death in March 2017, the Angers city council renamed the venue Stade Raymond Kopa in tribute to his foundational contributions to the club. Post-renovation enhancements, supported by the 2018 management agreement, have integrated club-specific features to deepen fan engagement, including a dedicated fan zone outside the stadium that offers pre-match with , DJ sets, and interactive activities to immerse supporters in SCO's atmosphere. These adaptations, part of broader efforts to transform the stadium into a vibrant "place of life," also incorporate elements highlighting the club's history, such as displays of memorabilia and trophies, enhancing the venue's role as a hub for the team's identity.

Attendance records and events

The record attendance at Stade Raymond Kopa was 22,989, achieved on April 26, 1969, during a Division 1 match between and . Average attendance for matches has typically ranged from 12,000 to 15,000 in recent seasons, with the 2024–25 season recording an average of 13,147 spectators across home games. Beyond routine league fixtures, the stadium has hosted notable cup competitions, including the round of 16 clash between and Stade Rennais on January 28, 2020, which attracted 9,821 fans. It has also accommodated youth international matches and occasional non-football events such as fixtures and concerts, showcasing its versatility. Post-renovation developments, particularly those completed around , have enhanced the venue's capacity for multi-purpose activities, including corporate functions and hospitality events in newly added restaurants, event rooms, and amphitheatres seating up to 350. These upgrades have coincided with improved safety and crowd management protocols, aligning with modern standards to safely accommodate peak attendances and diverse event types.

Location and access

Site and surroundings

The Stade Raymond Kopa is situated at 11 Boulevard , 49000 , in the department of , with geographic coordinates of 47°27′38″N 0°31′51″W. Positioned approximately 2 kilometers southwest of city center, the stadium lies within the Madeleine-Justices-Saint-Léonard urban neighborhood, characterized by residential housing and integrated community facilities. The site borders other sports venues, including elements of the historic Jean-Bouin complex, and is proximate to the Parc Saint-Léonard, a public green space renovated from 2021 to 2022, with opening in April 2022, as part of local initiatives to enhance recreational access and environmental quality. These developments align with broader municipal plans for the surrounding area, emphasizing sustainable integration of sports infrastructure with residential and natural elements near the Maine River valley.

Transportation options

The Stade Raymond Kopa is accessible via the Irigo public transport network in Angers, with several bus lines serving nearby stops for convenient access. Key bus lines include 1, 5, 10, and 40, which stop at Saumuroise approximately 5 minutes' walk from the stadium; on Sundays and match days, a special Line 1 "SCO" service—as part of a partnership between Angers SCO and Irigo announced in July 2025—operates directly to the venue for the 2025 season. Additionally, lines 7, 8, and 40 stop at the dedicated "Stade Raymond Kopa" stop, just 1 minute away on foot. For match days, Irigo provides reinforced shuttle services from park-and-ride locations and major stops, running every 20-25 minutes from 1 hour before kick-off until 1 hour after the final whistle, depositing passengers at the foot of the stadium. There is no direct tram service to the stadium, but the nearest on line B is at Montaigne, about a 20-minute walk away, with services running every 10-12 minutes. By road, the stadium can be reached via local streets from the A11 motorway, though match-day restrictions include closures on Rue Saint-Léonard, Ernest Mottay, Messine, Boulevard , and Rue du Colombier starting 2 hours before kick-off to manage traffic flow. There is no official on-site parking for the general public, but options include free street parking in surrounding areas (subject to availability and paid zones) or the free Espace Anjou lot, which is a 20-minute walk away; park-and-ride facilities at Université (line 1) or Avrillé (line 5) allow visitors to park and continue by bus. Coach parking is available for organized groups upon request via the club. Expect potential delays due to increased traffic on event days. For cyclists, dedicated bike paths connect the stadium to the city center, with secure bike racks located at Rue du Colombier, Piscine Jean Bouin, and Boulevard Coubertin; e-bike and scooter rentals are available through the Pony service via app. The area is pedestrian-friendly, with approaches from nearby neighborhoods, and the stadium is about a 30-minute walk from Angers-Saint-Laud , which is roughly 3 km away and also connected by bus (14 minutes) or (10 minutes). Accessibility features include reserved parking spaces for people with reduced mobility (PMR) and those with sensory or health impairments (PSH) near the stadium entrances, available upon request by emailing [email protected] with proof such as a Carte Mobilité Inclusion (CMI); Irigo's buses and shuttles are equipped for wheelchair access.

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