will.i.am helps Stade de Lyon open in style
Sunday, January 10, 2016
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A 4-1 win for Lyon against Troyes and a will.i.am concert inaugurated the Stade de Lyon in style on Saturday as one of the key UEFA EURO 2016 venues opened for business.
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A musical extravaganza and a 4-1 win for Lyon against Troyes made for a special evening on Saturday as the Stade de Lyon opened for business in the run-up to UEFA EURO 2016 – when it will host six matches, including a round of 16 tie and semi-final.
The ribbon was cut by mayor of Lyon Gérard Collomb and it proved an emotional moment for the club's president Jean-Michel Aulas. "This might be the most beautiful day of my life," he confessed after the match. A handsome Ligue 1 win for his side and an equally crowd-pleasing performance from US pop star will.i.am lit up the day, and proved a fitting opening for the spectacular new arena.
"I dreamed of scoring OL's first goal in this stadium, I'm very happy," said a delighted Alexandre Lacazette after his 18th-minute opener. "No one can ever take that away." New coach Bruno Génésio was similarly thrilled, adding: "Congratulations to Jean-Michel Aulas for his perseverance in building this stadium, one of the most beautiful in Europe. Now it's the staff and the players' responsibility to meet the board and the fans' expectations."
Early in the afternoon, spectators crowded the stadium's forecourt to take part in the numerous activities put on outside what is now France's third biggest stadium, with a 59,186 capacity which includes 105 VIP boxes. As well as being able to host matches, shows and company seminars, the arena includes an 800m² boutique and a museum which will open after UEFA EURO 2016. A four-star hotel, a leisure centre and offices will also begin business in the coming months, along with the club's training facilities and youth centre.
Largely inspired by the Arsenal Stadium – which opened in 2006 – the Stade de Lyon has 500 internet hotspots built in, permitting 25,000 simultaneous free connections to the web. Similar to a number of other UEFA EURO 2016 venues, this stadium is equipped with a hybrid pitch and has been hailed for an innovative design.
"It truly is a magnificent stadium, a real jewel," marvelled 15-year-old Kevin, who came to the first game with his family. "In the lower tiers you are really close to the playing field; you even get the impression you could touch the corner flag. And what an amazing noise!" Supporters from around Europe and further afield will be able to hear it for themselves come the summer.