RC Lens has recently inaugurated 'La Galerie,' a spectacular new reception space deep within the bowels of Stade Bollaert that recreates a mining gallery and celebrates the club's unique identity. This innovative addition represents the latest effort by the Sang et Or (Blood and Gold) to honor their mining heritage while generating new revenue streams.
Since the friendly match against Roma in the heart of summer, Lens players have been making their entrance from the locker room to the Bollaert pitch through a mining gallery constructed entirely of fiberglass. The tunnel creates an immersive experience that connects the team to the region's industrial past every time they take the field.
For Saturday's highly anticipated derby against Lille (9:05 PM), scheduled for the 5th matchday of Ligue 1, a VIP lounge created adjacent to the tunnel will also feature mining gallery décor. This exclusive space can accommodate 200 guests within its 280 square meters, offering a unique hospitality experience that blends luxury with local heritage.
The ambitious project required four months of construction work and an investment of nearly one million euros. The VIP experience begins 1 hour and 45 minutes before kickoff, featuring regional cuisine and, most notably, providing guests with a direct view of the players' exit from the locker room as they make their way to the Bollaert pitch through the mining gallery.
'We wanted to connect with our mining DNA,' explained Benjamin Parrot, General Director of RC Lens. 'In a period where TV rights have reached abysmal levels, we needed to consider ways to further develop our revenues. We turned this economic constraint into a development opportunity.' Parrot emphasized that the club sought to transform financial challenges into creative solutions that honor their roots.
'This lounge is a sort of ode to the mine,' Parrot stated. 'The mine represented work, labor, and darkness. Today, we're bringing that into the light. Having the stadium feature a lounge that reproduces a mine is both a nod and a tribute. We're particularly proud of this. We must respect the club's DNA. What matters is leaving a mark. This lounge will be accessible to the general public during tours. It has a hybrid function. We want to perpetuate the tradition of our crest.'
The innovative space serves multiple purposes beyond matchday hospitality, as club officials plan to make 'La Galerie' available for public tours, ensuring that the tribute to the region's mining heritage reaches beyond the football community. This hybrid approach reflects the club's commitment to preserving local traditions while adapting to modern commercial realities in professional soccer.
