Reimagining Stade de la Meinau: Strasbourg’s Renovation is blending Tradition, Innovation and Sustainability

As we gear up for the 11th Summit in Madrid, set to take place on 12 & 13 November at the iconic Estádio Civitas Metropolitano, home of Atlético Madrid, we had the pleasure of speaking with Julien Hochedez, Stadium Project Manager at Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace. He shared insights into the club's ambitious stadium project, discussing how it reflects RC Strasbourg’s deep connection to the city, the use of innovative sustainable materials and the improvements to fan experience. Join us to discover the vision behind the Stade de la Meinau renovation through the eye of an expert in the field, Julien Hochedez.

The stadium vision and objectives 

The origin of the project, 2017-2018, is driven by the need to upgrade an outdated stadium that was operating at full capacity and no longer met current standards. Instead of building a new stadium, the decision was made to renovate the existing one. Renovating was chosen over constructing a new facility due to the stadium's significance to both the club and the city and the ecological benefits of using existing infrastructure. The new stadium will boost the local economy with a 1,500 square-meter sports bar and restaurant, a giant shop and seminar rooms. Its capacity will increase from 26,000 to 32,000 seats, leading to higher revenue and greater economic activity. 

Sustainability 

The renovation of the stadium will emphasise sustainability and eco-friendliness, featuring several energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. The project includes the installation of 900 square meters of photovoltaic panels, a rainwater harvesting system and a connection to a renewable energy heat network. Additionally, long-lasting lighting will reduce electricity consumption and a portion of an airplane fuselage will be used as a pioneering windbreaker. 

Fan experience & accessibility     

The fan experience at Stade de la Meinau will significantly be enhanced after the renovation with new technology including IPTV, digital signage, six giant screens and 5G connectivity. The most notable upgrade is the expanded fan zone, which will accommodate 5,000 people and function as a public square during the week, transforming into a vibrant part of the stadium on match days. This area will reflect the local Alsatian culture, where fans gather before and after games to socialise. The stadium will also be fully compliant with accessibility standards, improving access for people with disabilities across all areas. 

Non-football event 

The renovated stadium will be designed to host non-football events, including rugby matches and potentially concerts. The pitch is specifically designed for rugby, although hosting concerts was not a primary focus. Rugby may become a regular feature if the local team advances to the first division. 

Progress and challenges so far 

The project is currently in Phase 3C and involves 17 phases due to ongoing operations during construction. To manage the budget, the team collaborates closely with all stakeholders, adjusting plans to accommodate additional matches, including those of the promoted women's team. Major challenges include securing project approval amid high inflation and managing reduced capacity while continuing to host matches. Despite these difficulties, strong collaboration among the club, Eurometropolis and project management is helping to overcome obstacles and ensure the project's success. 

The full version of this interview is available exclusively for ESSMA-members on our Knowledge Platform. 

Stay tuned for future updates on Strasbourg's project here.