Stade Rennais exploring switch to new 40,000-cap stadium

French Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais has commenced a feasibility study that will consider the requirements for a new stadium.

The Groupe Artémis-owned team is enjoying the most successful period in its history and believes it has outgrown its Roazhon Park home. It has sold out its 29,000-capacity stadium, which is owned by the City of Rennes, for all but one games played in the last 18 months.

According to a report in the Ouest-France newspaper, Stade Rennais has looked into the possibility of expanding its current stadium, but this has been ruled out due to challenges created by its location on the banks of the Vilaine River. The club, which qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 2020-21, is therefore now exploring the possibility of constructing a new 40,000-seat home.

Ouest-France reports that the stadium would be located near Roazhon Park, in an industrial wasteland opposite the ring road west of Rennes.

Stade Rennais last year reached a new long-term lease deal to remain at Roazhon Park and secured approval from the local council to undertake a major revamp of its training ground.

The lease deal between the club and the City of Rennes runs for 20 years. Local media outlets reported that Stade Rennais would pay €341,000 (£295,000/$361,000) per year, plus undisclosed add-ons relating to operating profits.

Stade Rennais is currently enjoying its sixth successive season of European football.