Attending an RC Lens match at the Stade Bollaert

A little post to remember it by.

A few weeks after attending a Champions League match in Lille, I’m looking into options for attending a match in Lens.

Lens is renowned for having one of the best crowds in France, and there aren’t many matches left before the end of the season.

I’m targeting the match between Lens and Saint Etienne, scheduled for a Sunday afternoon. Since I don’t drive, this means I can take public transport.

My works council occasionally offers tickets for Lens, but unfortunately, this match isn’t included.

The Stade Bollaert has a capacity of 38,000, with 29,000 Lens season ticket holders. That leaves only a few tickets for occasional visitors. Unsurprisingly, this fixture is a sell-out. I had to buy my ticket on the club’s official resale platform. It’s obviously pricier than if I’d managed to get one during the initial sale, but it’s easy and there’s no risk of being scammed.

On match day, I set off from Lille well in advance. It’s easy to get there: a 45-minute train ride to Lens, then a 15-minute walk to the stadium.

Lens’s ultras are uniquely situated in one of the side stands, whereas elsewhere they’re traditionally placed behind the goals.

They’re right opposite me and have put together a nice tifo.

The match was pretty average despite a few thrills: a Lens goal disallowed by VAR, a Saint Etienne penalty missed just before half-time, before Lens won 1-0.

I was a bit disappointed with the atmosphere. Given the Lens crowd’s glowing reputation, I’d expected more. That’s probably partly explained by their league position: Lens are in mid-table with little left to play for, as a European qualification is highly unlikely.

Match summary