Inaugurated in 1926 by Édouard Herriot, the 30,000 seat stadium, with its four wide entryways, has a something of a Roman amphitheatre atmosphere. Originally open to all sports (athletics, cycling, etc.), with time and the glowing results of the Olympique Lyonnais, the Gerland Stadium began to focus more attention on football. Hence, in the late 1960s the cycle track that ran around the playing field was sacrificed so that up to 50,000 spectators could be accommodated. Some years later, the athletics track was replaced by a trench. Then, the complex, retained by the organisers of the 1984 European football championships, was given a first face-lift at that time. The most important overhaul, however, took place before the 1998 World Cup. The north and south stands were demolished, to be replaced by two other end stands closer to the pitch and entirely covered by 4,300m² metal and textile structures. Concurrently, new changing-rooms were built and 28 boxes were created. The stadium’s capacity was expanded to seat 43,051.
Since 1997, the French Blues have held several matches at Gerland. In November 2006, France hosted New Zealand for a memorable thrashing: 3-47. This year, Lyon will host three matches during the Rugby Union World Cup: Australia v Japan (8 September), Argentina v Georgia (11 September), and finally New Zealand v Portugal (15 September).
In the near future, Gerland Stadium may be entirely devoted to rugby, as it becomes the venue of the second division Lyon University Club (LOU). The Olympique Lyonnais is slated to begin work on a larger stadium in the Lyon suburb of Décines.
