NanteIn Nantes they do things slightly differently to everyone else. So in the early 1980s, when it was felt that the city and its soccer club FC Nantes-Atlantique needed with a modern facility, rather than renovating the fine old Marcel-Saupin Stadium, it was decided to build a new one right beside it and leave the old one intact.
So even now, when the old supporters of the “Canaris” go to the La Beaujoire Stadium, a tearful glance at the old stands in the Saupin Stadium reminds them of the good old days of their youth. Having decided to build the new stadium, work on it began in 1982.
Seventeen months later, La Beaujoire was completed. At the inaugural match on 8 May 1984, Nantes was beaten by Romania. This was just a month away from the European Nations soccer championship being held in France.
La Beaujoire Stadium was selected as a venue for this competition and one of the Blues’ most brilliant successes was constructed there on 16 June at Belgium’s expense with a hat trick by Michel Platini contributing to a fine 5-0 win.
Record attendance was achieved that day (51,000 spectators), a record that will never be beaten now. Shortly before the 1998 Soccer World Cup, La Beaujoire Stadium was given a facelift; 15,000 seats were added to make it more comfortable. Standing space was also eliminated, with the stadium’s capacity being reduced to 38,285 spectators.
The French rugby team has won five matches at La Beaujoire Stadium: in 1998, 1992 and 1988 against Argentina (34-14, 20-24, and 29-9), and in 1990 against New Zealand (3-24) as well as in 1986 (16-3). Nantes (population 250,000) is a major port and also uses its stadium for concerts (Genesis, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, U2, etc.).
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