In our seventh episode of Balance S4 mini-series on safety and service at sports events we talk to Bruno Chapel, Operations Manager at Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace, Frédéric Thommen, Director of Strategic Projects at the General Directorate of Services of the Eurometropole de Strasbourg, François Clément, Architect at POPULOUS and Olivier de Crécy, Architect at Rey de Crécy Architecture Studio.

With approximately 32,000 people coming to the stadium every two weeks, the Stade de la Meinau located in Strasbourg, France, is often referred to as the “city’s second Cathedral”’. Inhabitants consider it a “symbol of local identity”. Redefining its design, while also respecting international standards such as, in particular, those promoted by the Balance S4, EU – CoE Joint Programme on strengthening the Safety and Service pillars of the Saint-Denis Convention, may prove challenging. Such approaches may primarily affect spectators by changing their usual habits. Nonetheless, as expected by Frédéric Thommen, implementing such projects may ultimately have a positive “influence on the wider population as well’”.

As highlighted by Bruno Chapel, raising the overall experience (which is not limited to the match’s outcome), implies that essential services and accessibility requirements are in place. Olivier de Crécy also recalls that safety constraints constitute an important aspect to look at. This is especially relevant in the context of the “free movement of people from Fan Zones to different stands, crowd’s redirection through ticketing systems and assignment of spectators to specific, clearly identified entrances”. Considering this perspective, new technologies have been implemented to provide an optimal visitor experience: digital signage and wayfinding tools, mobile ticketing and e-guides, inclusive infrastructure, smart environmental systems. Each step was done “in close collaboration with the Strasbourg Eurometropole and architects, who fully understand what it means to design a modern stadium”.

This resulted in a green, environmental-friendly initiative where several measures were taken: “boosting train access through the nearby Krimmeri-Meinau station, enhancing tram services and building 2,000 secure bike parking spaces, while planting 650 trees, preserving 1500 parking spaces and redesigning pedestrian routes around the stadium”.

Finally, cultural aspects may also play a significant role. For instance, given that La Meinau stadium is located near the French – German border, supporters frequently attend matches on German stadiums as well. This results in an intercultural operating context, where audiences are often accustomed to specific service configurations. According to Bruno Chapel, “expanding the Fan Zone will improve services and contribute to a more festive, friendly atmosphere, with more entertainment and better food offerings – not only for VIPs but also for the general public”.

Ultimately, the Balance S4 project embodies this very goal: creating the conditions for people to come to the stadium, enjoy a sport competition and have a good time.

  Watch the full interview here

More information:

  Awareness-Raising Workshop on Safety at Sports Events

  Discover the Saint-Denis Convention through an online course