Catalans Dragons are set to spend a huge £12 million on their new stadium redevelopment.
As previously reported by Serious About Rugby League, over Christmas the club confirmed plans to redevelop the Stade Gilbert Brutus by upgrading one of the stands demolishing it and replacing it with an entirely new stand similar to the decisions made by Leeds Rhinos with their North and South Stands at the end of 2017 as well as Wakefield Trinity in more recent times.
But now reports in L’Independant suggest that this redevelopment will cost the Super League club a huge £12 million as they look to expand the capacity of their stadium to reflect their growing fan base moving forward.
According to L’Independant, the Stade Gilbert Brutus will then be able to provide provide 3,500 more covered seats as well as 1,000 additional seats more than what is currently available which stands at 1,350 covered as well as 1,000 in the open air. This means that the open air seats will be doubled whilst the covered seats will increase by over 200%. On top of this, the new stand will also bring 1,000 additional VIP seats.
Furthermore, this new stand will also create a further 20 private boxes as well as what is called a panoramic box. It will also play host to changing rooms as well as a refreshment bar. Taking the club’s fandom to a further level, there will also be a shop available within this new stand.
Demolishment will commence at the conclusion of the 2024 Super League season with plans to have the new stand complete by 2026 or at the latest 2027.
The club is growing at a rapid rate off the field and the club’s season ticket sales have been indicative of that with the Dragons seeing an exponential boost in ticket sales ahead of the festive period. Speaking to L’Independant, ticketing manager Lise Richet said: “The results of these first three weeks are very positive. This increase among individual subscribers gives us an initial trend and it is very encouraging for the future.
“We found many supporters who came to watch a few matches last year, who appreciated the show on offer and who decided to take the plunge this season. We feel among all these supporters the impatience to rediscover the fervor of Brutus next February.”
