Stade des Trois-Chêne

“A stadium fit for three!” a young boy exclaimed, pointing towards Stade des Trois-Chênes. His grandfather chuckled, “Indeed, young one. It serves three communities, you know.” We stand before Stade des Trois-Chênes, a football stadium nestled in Chêne-Bourg, Switzerland. Its name, meaning “Stadium of the Three Oaks,” hints at its unique history. This stadium isn’t just a sporting venue. It represents a collaboration between three communities: Chêne-Bougeries, Chêne-Bourg, and Thônex. Opened in 1975, the Stade des Trois-Chênes is more than just the home of CS Chênois and Servette Chênois women’s football teams. It’s the heart of a larger sports complex, Centre Sportif Sous-Moulin. The story of this stadium began long before 1975. As early as 1920, the Thônex Football Club petitioned for a dedicated sports field. The Chênois club leaders drafted a plan in 1940. The land, initially intended for a grand multi-sport center, was finally acquired in 1945. The “white road,” Route Blanche, and adjacent plots south of the “Malagnou road” were combined to create the space. The stadium is a testament to persistence and community vision. It also serves as a valuable resource for the region, hosting local matches and events. The Centre Sportif Sous-Moulin, which encompasses the Stade des Trois-Chênes, continued to grow over the years. Two additional fields were added, later converted to synthetic turf. An administrative building for the club followed. By 1985, the complex became a legally independent entity, managed separately from the three communes. It was even the first supra-municipal sports facility under Swiss law. Between 1986 and 1997, further improvements came, including a skating area approved by Chêne-Bourg and Thônex residents through referendums. The complex also has a pétanque field, five tennis courts, and a curling hall. The Stade des Trois-Chênes, with its natural grass field measuring 105 x 68 meters, is approved for 1st League play. The complex also has additional fields: Field B (synthetic turf, approved for 2nd Interregional League), Field C (synthetic turf, approved for 4th League), Field D (natural grass), and a sand training field. The Stade des Trois-Chênes stands as more than a stadium. It’s a symbol of community spirit and collaboration. A place where dreams are realized, both on and off the field.