In Strasbourg, despite a rising bill, the Meinau stadium will undergo renovation

The Meinau stadium in Strasbourg will begin major renovation work in June, until mid-2026, despite a substantial increase in the bill, estimated at 160 million euros, Racing and Sport announced on Tuesday May 2. 'Eurometropolis.

The site will increase the number of places to 32.000 against 26.000 currently, said Marc Keller, the president of the club currently fighting to keep it in Ligue 1.

Next to the enclosure, located for more than 100 years in the Meinau district, "the fan zone will double in volume, it will be able to bring together 5.000 to 6.000 people", added the former international player, at the during a press briefing.

The works will not prevent the holding of matches, but will lead to capacity reductions, up to a minimum of 20.000 spectators during the 2024/2025 season, according to the documents presented by the Eurometropolis of Strasbourg, owner of the stadium. The gauge will then rise in stages to its final level of 32.000 places for the start of the 2026/2027 season.

According to the figures presented by the metropolis, the cost of the work is increased to 160 million euros, an increase of some 45% compared to previous estimates of last fall, and 60% compared to the initial costing for 2020. .

The rise in construction costs explains this sharp upward revision, reported Pia Imbs, president of the Eurometropolis and Franck Leroy, president of the Grand Est region. "It's the same project" as the one presented at the end of 2020, underlined Marc Keller.

The club, exempted from participation in the initial assembly of 100 million euros, will finally bring 9 million euros, announced Mr. Keller. "Everyone had to make an effort, the club also for what is a capital step in its development project in the coming years," he explained.

According to him, the renovation is "an element" so that the club "can aim to play between 3rd and 8th place" in Ligue 1, while it is currently ranked 15th and is fighting to maintain it.

"Renovating the Meinau is building the Racing of tomorrow", insisted Marc Keller.

The rest of the funding will be shared between the Eurometropolis (47% of the total), the Grand Est region (23,5%), the City of Strasbourg and the European Community of Alsace (11,8% each).

The total amount "remains much cheaper than building a new stadium," noted Mr. Keller.