Montpied Stadium Expansion: A Metropolitan-Worthy Upgrade

Clermont-Ferrand Awaits Completion of Gabriel-Montpied Stadium After Decades-Long Saga CLERMONT-FERRAND, France – After more than three decades of starts, stops, and revisions, teh city of Clermont-Ferrand is on the verge of realizing its vision for a revitalized Gabriel-Montpied stadium. The project, which began in 1990, is now slated for completion in the spring of 2026, promising a modern sporting venue with a capacity of 17,000, exceeding the initial plans by 2,000 seats. The stadium’s protracted history has become a local legend, chronicled in Yves Meunier’s piece, Montpied Bon Eye or Cyclops syndrome, which detailed the political delays and fluctuating fortunes of the Clermont Foot 63 soccer club that intricate the project. Now, despite any current challenges faced by the team, Olivier Bianchi, President of Clermont Auvergne, insists that “the club story does not make the history of city equipment.” While the upgraded stadium will be a significant improvement for Clermont-Ferrand, it will be far from the largest in France. With a planned 17,000 seats, it will rank “only at the bottom of the top 50 of the largest French stadiums,” as officials noted. This is dwarfed by major venues like the Stade de France in Paris (80,698 seats) and the marseille Vélodrome (67,394 seats). Beyond the added seating,the expansion will also include a new gymnasium,accessible to local clubs and residents in the northern districts of Clermont. The architectural firm Ateliers Ferret Architectures, based in Bordeaux, is spearheading the stadium’s redesign. The firm boasts a portfolio of sports facilities, including the marcoussis rugby center, the Palais des Sports de Bordeaux, and renovations of stadiums in lens, Limoges, and Lille.Pierre Ferret, collaborating with CHM architecture for local expertise, aims to create a versatile venue that respects the city’s existing architectural style and integrates seamlessly with modern requirements. The construction is well underway. “the structural work is almost finished, that is to say the structures, foundations and superstructure,” ferret noted. “The frame started for 3 months,the installation at least since,since the manufacturing started well before. Today there are about 2/5th of the frame already posed, it will then be covered by a canvas. The whole will be finished normally within 6 months.” The architect also addressed the crucial elements that distinguish a modern sporting venue, noting, “There will be places in a tutor, places in various categories, for subscribers, officials, for the press which is very significant because with 17,000 places and a million viewers, it is better that TV and radios work. We are very attached to the press stands in stadiums and interview rooms, what is called the mixed zone. There are also a lot of salons, which will be used during the matches but which will serve all the time for seminars, so that it can be used permanently.”

Pro tip: Municipal stadiums can be valuable assets to cities, but cost overruns are common.Ensure that contracts include clauses that penalize contractors for delays or budget overruns, as well as incentives for on-time, on-budget completion.

When asked about his overall approach, Ferret said “The stadiums are always the same, the terrain is always the same, whether in Chicago, Japan or Morocco, it’s the same lawn and it is indeed the same game. But it is never, or not often, the same architecture. For architects it is indeed good, as they can respect people, geography, space and everything that makes a country or a region. We must not make an international stage, so we always do sportsmen, artistic skaters in particular, we write a story and we are looking for the spirit of the place.” Ferret identifies the spirit of the Montpied design with Clermont-Ferrand’s volcanic surroundings. “It’s quite simple, compared to Puy-de-Dôme, volcanoes. We frequently enough talk about crater in a stadium,it’s even more logical to have this stage where it is indeed. We have already given the nickname ‘the volcano’ at this stage, because precisely the story is that. Often, we are talking about crater for a stadium. Here is exactly that, the canvas will be red with spotlights on it.there is also an image that we made in 3D where we can see the stadium and the whole chain of the Puys behind.” The design also incorporates the existing gallery,which Ferret recognizes as “an icon of Clermont.” He explained that “The existing gallery, has some faults, it is particularly very large, for few places but it is an icon of Clermont. The architect, Jacques Kalisz, a very good architect, had only one forum, he could not do the continuation. Obviously that our goal was not to do like in certain stadiums where everyone does their tribune and at the end it gives something improbable. There, we made sure to highlight the platform that exists and with the existing metal frames and those we have done, I am almost certain that people who do not know the history of the stadium, will think that it is indeed a new stadium which has just been built. For us it will be a victory.” The stadium project has also had to address environmental concerns. “Here we are in red flood zone, so it’s not simple,” Ferret said. He explained that they are using “the useful to the pleasant by creating [a merlon] all around the stadium to protect it.It is used both to repel the floods and we were able to insert the gymnasium which will be entirely surrounded by planted soil, like all around with the cafeteria and the ticket office.The whole parking lot around has been treated as a park with a landscaper and a very important planting budget.” Looking ahead, Ferret envisions a stadium that is a vibrant hub, “The idea is always the same, when the stadium is empty there must be people who come. This is why everywhere in the world now, we eliminate the grids and the fence as, if there is only sport once every 15 days it is indeed still absurd to bouziller so much space. Besides, soon, we will demonstrate this in Paris in a large stadium, if all is well.” The project’s timeline anticipates the completion of the frame and new lighting system before the official land approval in the summer of 2025. Following this, work will continue on the secondary structures, external growth of the parking areas and green spaces, and the construction of the gymnasium. The full project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2026. The total budget for the stadium extension is €64.2 million, with €58.3 million funded by the metropolis.

Did you know? Sports stadium financing often involves a mix of public and private funds.A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that public subsidies frequently support stadium construction, raising questions about the economic benefits and potential burdens on local taxpayers.

Counterargument: While the Gabriel-Montpied stadium promises to be a valuable asset, some critics might argue that the €64.2 million investment could be better allocated to other pressing needs within the Clermont metropolis, such as infrastructure improvements, education, or social services. Supporters would counter that the stadium will serve as a catalyst for economic development, stimulating tourism, creating jobs, and enhancing the city’s image on a national and international stage. Moreover, the stadium’s multi-use design, incorporating spaces for seminars and community events, ensures that it will provide benefits beyond game days, solidifying its role as a valuable community asset.

FAQ Q: When will the Gabriel-Montpied stadium be completed? A: The project is expected to be finished in the spring of 2026. Q: What will be the seating capacity of the renovated stadium? A: The stadium will have a capacity of 17,000 seats.Q: Who is the architect for the stadium renovation? A: The architectural firm Ateliers Ferret Architectures is leading the project. Q: How much is the stadium renovation costing? A: The total budget for the project is €64.2 million. Q: What other amenities will be included in the stadium project? A: Along with the stadium renovation, the project includes a new gymnasium, parking areas, and green spaces.

What are your thoughts on the Gabriel-Montpied Stadium project? Share your comments below!

clermont-Ferrand Stadium Architect Pierre Ferret on the Gabriel-Montpied revitalization

Welcome, Archyde readers, to an exclusive interview with Pierre Ferret, lead architect at Ateliers Ferret Architectures, the firm behind the highly anticipated renovation of the gabriel-Montpied Stadium in Clermont-Ferrand. With the project slated for completion in spring 2026, we delve into the vision, challenges, and unique aspects of designing this modern sporting venue.

The Vision of a ‘Volcanic’ Stadium

Archyde: Mr.Ferret, thank you for joining us. The Gabriel-Montpied project has been a long time in the making. What was the primary vision when you started working on the stadium redesign?

Pierre Ferret: Thank you for having me. The vision was multifaceted, but the heart of it was about creating a truly integrated space that reflects the spirit of Clermont-Ferrand. We wanted to use the Puy-de-Dôme volcanic landscape for inspiration, giving the stadium a special nickname, “the volcano”. The design, particularly the red canvas and the lighting, is inspired by the habitat. This goes way beyond just constructing a sports venue; it’s about creating a sense of place.

Balancing Tradition and modernity

Archyde: The existing gallery is also a well-known icon of Clermont, how did the design team approach the integration of this existing structure?

Pierre Ferret: We know the existing stand has its faults but it is important to Clermont. Our objective was never to disregard them and start from scratch.The aim when redesigning the plan and design of the stand was also to emphasise the existing platform using the old metal frames, which we integrated into our new design. I am almost certain that any visitor ignorant of the history will think that it has just been built.

Addressing Environmental and Community Needs

Archyde: The stadium sits in a flood zone, and that must have presented some unique challenges. How did you incorporate environmental considerations into the design?

Pierre Ferret: We’re using the area’s shortcomings to our advantage. Specifically, we have constructed a protective merlon all around the stadium to protect it without impeding the design or overall flow of the project, using this space for the gymnasium. The parking and park areas have also been updated with meaningful landscape modifications to ensure that environmental design plays a critical role when the stadium is eventually finished.

A Multi-Use Venue for the 21st Century

Archyde: Modern stadiums need to serve a purpose beyond just game days. How did you approach this aspect of the project?

Pierre Ferret: Absolutely. We’re moving away from the era of fences and grids. The goal is to make the stadium a bustling hub all the time.Hence the inclusion of various salon spaces, which will serve all the time for seminars. The entire space is designed to host events, conferences, and community activities and the design is based on what is going on around the world.

Construction Progress and Timeline

Archyde: Can you give us an update on the current progress? What are the next key milestones?

Pierre Ferret: The structural work is nearly complete; the frame should finish in approximately six months. We anticipate the frame and new lighting system will be completed before the official land approval in summer 2025, followed by the construction of the secondary structures and the gymnasium. The ultimate goal is to complete the project in the spring of 2026.

Cost and Funding

Archyde: the budget for the stadium is €64.2 million. What is the split of funding between public and private sources?

Pierre Ferret: The funding is €58.3 million from the Clermont Auvergne Metropolis and the rest comes from various other means.

Respecting the Spirit of a Place

Archyde: this project, like all architectural projects, needs more than just the game in mind. How does this fit your overall architectural approach?

pierre Ferret: the stadium, no matter the location, requires a field with a similar design and the sports are similar. though,what differs is the architecture. The best architecture respects the history,geography and,most of all,the people of a local area. It is important to write a story and celebrate everything unique about a town or city.

A Thought-Provoking Question for Our Readers

Archyde: Mr.Ferret, thank you for sharing your insights.Lastly, what message would you offer to local fans and residents as they await the completion of the new Gabriel-Montpied Stadium?

Pierre Ferret: I’d like to say that we have done a great job in respecting the history of Clermont-Ferrand, in building a stadium for the future, and in creating a venue that will be a point of pride, even when no matches are on the schedule. We hope that you too will be proud of the result.

Archyde: Thank you, Pierre. We will provide updates as construction proceeds.

What are your thoughts on the Gabriel-Montpied Stadium project? Share your comments below!