Founded in 1906, Racing Club de Lens, more commonly known as RC Lens or simply Lens, has a rich history in the top flight of French football, Ligue 1. After its first taste of Ligue 1 football in 1937, Lens had its share of ups and downs, experiencing relegations and promotions. It wasn’t until 1998 that the club reached its zenith, securing the Ligue 1 title in a triumph that remains etched in the memories of Lens supporters to this day. The history of Lens in Ligue 1 is a tale of perseverance, and the team’s spirited performances have only added to their endearing legacy.
A Breeding Ground for Football Stars
Lens has been an instrumental player development hub, shaping the careers of some remarkable talents. Take Vladimir Smicer, for instance, who helped Lens clinch the 1998 Ligue 1 title before making his mark with Liverpool in England. Seydou Keita, another Lens product, went on to have successful stints at Barcelona and AS Roma.
Lens’ youth academy continues to flourish, with Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Wylan Cyprien being recent examples of players who developed their skills at Lens before embarking on successful careers.
A Tapestry of Rivalries
Lens shares an intense rivalry with their northern neighbor Lille. Known as the ‘Derby du Nord’, matches between these two teams often whip up a fiercely competitive atmosphere. Another hotly contested rivalry exists with Paris Saint-Germain, fueled in part by the stark contrast between Lens’ modest resources and PSG’s star-studded squad.
Further afield, Lens has a long-standing rivalry with English side Arsenal. This inter-league competition originated from a friendly match gone awry in 1998, escalating into a feud that has persisted for decades.
Unveiling Estadio Bollaert-Delelis
One cannot talk about Lens without a special mention of its home ground, the Estadio Bollaert-Delelis. Boasting a capacity of over 38,000, it’s one of the most intimidating arenas in Ligue 1. Despite being renovated several times, the stadium has retained its iconic oval shape that guarantees every spectator a clear view of the pitch.
If you prefer to be closer to the action, you might want to consider seats in the Marek and Trannin Tribunes, located along the length of the pitch. For a more panoramic view, seats in the Xercès Louis Tribune offer an excellent vantage point.
The Tony Marek Tribune, named after one of the club’s all-time greats, is home to Lens’ most ardent supporters. The atmosphere here can be electric, making it an ideal spot for those who want to immerse themselves in the passion of the game.
Ticket Prices: A Snapshot
Ticket prices at the Estadio Bollaert-Delelis vary by location. Seats in the Tony Marek Tribune start from around €30, while tickets for the Xercès Louis Tribune can go up to €60. If you wish to enjoy the luxury of the Presidential Tribune, prepare to pay a premium with prices starting at €170.
RC Lens is more than just a football club. It is a symbol of community spirit, resilience, and sporting excellence. Its history in Ligue 1, the players it has nurtured, the rivalries it has built, and the charm of Estadio Bollaert-Delelis, all contribute to making Lens an emblem of French football.
All Good Things
- International Representation: RC Lens has a significant international reach with a wide array of nationalities represented in its team roster. This diversity has led to a harmonious blend of different football cultures, enhancing the team’s style of play and global appeal.Lens Fans are Everywhere: The fans of RC Lens, known as ‘Lensois’, are renowned for their passionate support, not just in France, but around the globe. This was made evident when Lens played in the UEFA Cup. Their supporters traveled en masse, painting the host cities in their vibrant colors.
- The Name’s Origin: The club’s name, ‘Racing Club de Lens’, may seem unusual for a football team. However, it comes from the French tradition of naming clubs after ‘Racing clubs’, which were originally associated with athletics.
- A Symbolic Mascot: Lens’ mascot, ‘Kopik’, is a nod to the region’s coal mining heritage. The name ‘Kopik’ is a term used by coal miners and is an affectionate term used to address a fellow miner.
- Sustainable Ambitions: RC Lens has taken considerable steps towards sustainability. The club has an ambitious plan for environmental responsibility, which includes reducing carbon emissions and waste generation at the Bollaert-Delelis Stadium.
- Contributions to French Football: Lens has contributed significantly to the French national team. In fact, several players developed by Lens have represented ‘Les Bleus’ in international competitions, including the World Cup and the European Championships.
- Resilience through Challenges: Lens has shown impressive resilience, particularly during financial troubles in the 2010s. Despite relegation and administrative issues, Lens bounced back, underlining the club’s never-say-die spirit.
- Unique Chants and Songs: Lens fans are famous for their unique chants and songs that echo around Bollaert-Delelis on match days. The most famous is “Les Corons,” a song that pays tribute to the region’s mining past. It’s often sung with such fervor that it drowns out the opposition’s supporters.
- Record-breaking Attendance: Despite being a relatively small city, Lens’ Bollaert-Delelis Stadium has often seen attendance exceeding the city’s population. It is a testament to the strong regional support for the team.
- Charitable Endeavours: Lens has a notable presence in community outreach programs, with several initiatives aimed at using football to improve lives. These programs have endeared the club further to its fans and the broader community.
