The Stade Auguste Delaune in Reims is not just a football stadium. It’s a monument to resilience and a testament to the power of sport.
Stand here, right in front of the stadium, and imagine the cheers of the crowd. In the 1930s, this was a groundbreaking venue, built to be one of the largest in France. It was more than just a place for matches; it was a venue for cycling races, bringing excitement and entertainment to Reims. The stadium was built to house 18,000 spectators, a huge number for the time and a sign of its importance.
However, things changed. The Second World War brought devastation to Europe. The stadium was renamed in honor of Auguste Delaune, a French Resistance fighter, and the city, along with the stadium, had to rebuild. But they did. The stadium would see a revival in the 1950s, as Stade de Reims, the local football club, became a powerhouse. They won the French league championship five times in a row, inspiring the local fans. The team even became the first French club to reach the final of the European Cup.
But success always comes with challenges. The stadium grew old and tired. In the early 2000s, they faced the choice of demolishing the old stadium and starting from scratch. The decision was made. After a few years of hard work, a new and modern Stade Auguste Delaune was unveiled. The old soul of the stadium, the spirit of Auguste Delaune and the winning history of the club, remain.
And you can feel it right here. You can almost hear the cheers of the crowd, the shouts of the players, the roar of the crowd. It’s a story of revival, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a community.