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Ancien Matmut Stadium

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Lyon’s sporting spirit echoes within the Ancien Matmut Stadium. This now-quiet venue once roared with the energy of rugby and football matches. The Ancien Matmut Stadium, nestled in Vénissieux, served as the home ground for Lyon Olympique Universitaire (LOU) from 2011 to 2017. It also witnessed several thrilling Coupe de France matches featuring Vénissieux FC. The stadium’s story began with LOU’s need for a modern, adaptable replacement for the aging Stade Vuillermet. Following their promotion to Top 14, the club embarked on an ambitious project. They transformed their training center in the Plaine des États-Unis into a state-of-the-art stadium. A groundbreaking naming rights agreement with the Matmut insurance company, the first of its kind in French rugby, led to the stadium being christened Matmut Stadium. This deal injected two million euros annually into the club’s coffers for five years. Remarkably, the Ancien Matmut Stadium was constructed in a mere 83 days. This rapid build was a testament to the dedication and efficiency of GL Events, Groupe EM2C, and Serfim, the companies behind the project. The Ancien Matmut Stadium wasn’t solely dedicated to rugby. During the 2012-2013 Coupe de France, it hosted a memorable football match. AS Minguettes Vénissieux faced AS Nancy-Lorraine in the round of 16. This was necessary because Vénissieux’s usual stadium wasn’t equipped for such a high-profile game. The Ancien Matmut Stadium reached its peak attendance on an unspecified date. 11,805 spectators packed the stands to witness a Top 14 clash between Lyon and Toulon. Lyon emerged victorious with a 27-13 scoreline. After LOU’s move to Gerland in an unspecified year, the Ancien Matmut Stadium took on a new role. It became a temporary home for Lyon’s traveling showmen. This unusual occupation lasted for several years. Meanwhile, the city of Lyon began contemplating plans for the site’s redevelopment, slated for 2023. Though the roars of the crowd have faded, the Ancien Matmut Stadium remains a symbol of Lyon’s rich sporting heritage.

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