What will become of Marien Stadium?
A part of Unionist history continues to be written at the Marien Stadium, with home games for the women’s A team and the men’s U23 team. They, too, are exciting to watch and support!
What will the stadium be called?
It’s still too early to say. The new stadium project still has a few steps to go through, such as obtaining its building permit!
Where can I find all the information about the new stadium?
Visit the Union Saint-Gilloise website at rusg.brussels and follow us on social media.
Why not build elsewhere in Forest or Saint-Gilles?
Perspective.brussels has indeed studied other sites within the municipalities of Saint-Gilles and Forest. In addition to Marien and the Bempt site, the analysis also examined the Bertelson Stadium, located in the immediate vicinity of the current stadium.
This study highlights that the Bertelson Stadium presents similar (and even more significant) issues compared to Marien, particularly in terms of accessibility and disturbances in the heart of densely populated neighborhoods.
Could Union have built its stadium on the Audi site?
The Audi site, along Boulevard de la 2ème Armée Britannique, represents significant economic and industrial employment potential for the Brussels Region. Political decision-makers have explicitly reaffirmed their intention to maintain this area exclusively for industrial use.
Union could have built its stadium outside of Brussels.
That is not an option. It is a matter of identity, mobility, and sustainability. RUSG is deeply proud of and committed to its identity as a club of Brussels, Saint-Gilles, and Forest.
The vast majority of our supporters (70%) come from the 19 municipalities of the Brussels Region. It is essential that they continue to be able to get to the stadium on foot, by bike, or by public transportation.
Is the Bempt site really the best choice?
The heart of Union beats in Saint-Gilles and Forest. These two municipalities are by far the most represented among our supporters. Our presence in the community is strongest there on a day-to-day basis. Union’s DNA is Saint-Gilles and Forest, and the club is absolutely committed to preserving this identity.
It also makes so much more sense: making many residents of Forest and Saint-Gilles cross the city would be nonsensical from a practical and mobility standpoint.
Could the Marien Stadium have been renovated?
We all share a deep love for the Marien Stadium. It is an iconic and historic site—so historic, in fact, that its façade is officially listed as a protected landmark. The Marien is also located within Duden Park, which is itself a listed site. This prevents any significant expansion and limits the stadium’s ability to comply with UEFA standards.
Who will finance the stadium?
The building (the stadium) will be 100% funded by the RUSG.
How many games will be played each year?
The total number of matches per year is expected to be between 20 and 25. Union is open to sharing the stadium for other sporting uses, naturally in consultation with the relevant authorities. The vast majority of matches are played outside peak traffic hours.