60 years of Bordeaux history. The stadium,
now called "Stade Jacques Chaban
Delmas", is a remarkable example
of 1930's architecture and is one of
the landmarks of Bordeaux's XXth century
history.
12th June 1938, the stadium is opened
with great fanfare: Quarter final of
the World Cup between Brazil and Chekoslovakia...
the Brazilians won 2 - 1.
In 1923 Fernand Philippart, Mayor at
that time, proposed to build a large
stadium. The plan was for the stadium
to hold 10 000 people, a very ambitious
project for the time.
Building started ten years later in
1933 under the management of two architects
Raoul Jourde and Jacques D'Welles, and
an Italian engineer, Dabbeni.
The Athletic facility next door was
built during the same period between
1938 and 1940.
The Lescure stadium is unusual in that
it was the first stadium to have covered
stands. The modernity inspired by the
neoclassical movement can be found everywhere:
in the details, the decoration, the
forms and curves.
Our stadium is an architectural model
that is still considered today to be
of fine quality and great beauty.
In 1941, the Girondins, recent winners
of the French Cup, finally played in
the grass of Lescure.
On the superb track that surrounds the
pitch, numerous cycle races have taken
place, with of course, the Tour de France
arrivals and the victorious sprints
by André Darrigade. A few years
after the Liberation, in 1950, the Girondins
won their first professional Championship,
at home.
It was also the period when hockey matches
were played on grass and when boxing
could be seen.
In 1955, Lescure hosted its first Rugby
Championship final.
The first modernisation works were carried
out in 1963 with lighting being installed
for nocturnal matches. Finally in 1987
the cycle track was taken out in order
to make more space for spectators.
Lescure has a history that not all stadiums
have.
Lescure has been the host of many moments
of great joy and enthusiasm that have
often played a great role in the life,
and joy of the city.
The most recent moments: Bordeaux-Milan
AC or Prague in the semifinals of the
European Cup have both left exceptional
memories of victory.
Renovated and enlarged for the World
Cup in June 1998, the World's largest
sporting event, the stadium celebrated
its 60th birthday with visitors from
around the world and the fervor of such
an exceptional event.
60 years of Bordeaux history. The stadium,
now called "Stade Jacques Chaban
Delmas", is a remarkable example
of 1930's architecture and is one of
the landmarks of Bordeaux's XXth century
history.
