11 New Stadiums Changing the Way We Watch Sports

11. Groupama Stadium – Lyon, France (Opened 2016)

Located in Décines-Charpieu near Lyon, Groupama Stadium—also known as Parc Olympique Lyonnais—is one of Europe’s most advanced multi-use venues, and a cornerstone of France’s future-forward sports infrastructure. Opened in 2016 with a capacity of 59,000, it is the home ground for Olympique Lyonnais but was also built to host a variety of large-scale events including rugby, concerts, and even esports tournaments. The stadium is equipped with a robust 4G network and Wi-Fi coverage, enabling high-speed mobile interaction for all visitors. Fans can use integrated apps to access real-time match stats, order concessions, navigate the venue, or buy merchandise directly from their seats. Sustainability was a key design component, with water recycling systems, solar panels, and LED lighting throughout. The surrounding OL Valley includes hotels, restaurants, and a training academy, making it a year-round entertainment and business hub. In addition to hosting UEFA Euro 2016 matches, it was selected as one of the venues for the 2023 Rugby World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics. Groupama Stadium demonstrates how tech-savvy design, community integration, and sporting passion can converge to create a model for the modern stadium.