Jean-Michel Aulas, Lyon Mayoral Candidate, Proposes New Intermediate Stadium
Lyon, February 5 – Jean-Michel Aulas, a prominent candidate in the ongoing mayoral election for Lyon, has unveiled a significant proposal to construct a new intermediate-capacity stadium within the city. The announcement, made during his campaign, revives a long-standing discussion in the ‘Capital of Gauls’ regarding the need for such a facility.
Aulas, the former president of Olympique Lyonnais (OL), articulated his vision, emphasizing the project’s potential to bolster the city’s sporting ambitions. The proposed stadium is designed to cater to the needs of both the Lyonnes women’s team and the Lyon-La Duchère club, which has been competing in National 3 for several seasons.
Strategic Vision for Lyon’s Sports Landscape
Speaking to ActuLyon on Wednesday, Aulas drew parallels with the successful development in Décines-Meyzieu, which includes OL’s stadium, training center, and youth academy. He highlighted two primary factors driving his proposal:
- Support for Lyon-La Duchère: The club is aspiring to ascend to the newly established third professional division by the French Football Federation (FFF). This new D3 league necessitates a sporting facility that bridges the gap between very large stadiums and standard venues.
- Michele Kang’s Vision: Michele Kang, a key figure in the sports community, had previously expressed the idea of a stadium with a capacity of 10,000 to 15,000 seats. Aulas’s proposal aligns with this vision, aiming to create a venue that meets these specifications.
The initiative underscores Aulas’s commitment to enhancing Lyon’s sports infrastructure and providing suitable venues for its growing football clubs. The new stadium is envisioned as a crucial step in supporting the professional development of teams like Lyon-La Duchère and offering a dedicated home for the Lyonnes.
Impact on Local Football and Community
The construction of an intermediate stadium is expected to have a multifaceted impact on Lyon. For Lyon-La Duchère, it would provide a modern facility that meets the requirements of higher divisions, potentially attracting more talent and increasing fan engagement. For the Lyonnes, it would offer a dedicated home ground, further solidifying their presence and support within the city.
Beyond the professional clubs, the stadium could also serve as a community hub, hosting various local sporting events and fostering a stronger connection between the residents and their teams. Aulas’s proposal is positioned as a strategic investment in the future of Lyon’s sports scene, aiming to create a dynamic environment for athletes and fans alike.
The plan is currently a key component of Aulas’s mayoral campaign, reflecting his broader agenda for urban development and community enrichment through sports. The feasibility and detailed plans for the stadium are expected to be further elaborated as the election campaign progresses.
The announcement has generated considerable discussion among sports enthusiasts and residents, with many keen to see how this ambitious project could reshape Lyon’s urban and sporting landscape.
Source: boursorama.com
