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. 

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. 

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.   

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.  

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. 

The building (the stadium) will be 100% funded by the RUSG.  

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.

Not at all. Despite its popularity, Union wants to remain down-to-earth and preserve its community spirit. The new stadium will have a capacity of 16,000 on match days. By way of comparison, the KV Mechelen stadium has a capacity of just over 16,000. The Stade du Pays de Charleroi has 15,000 seats; their future stadium will have 21,000 seats, the same capacity as Antwerp’s. And this capacity is significantly lower than that of Belgium’s traditional top clubs, such as Anderlecht, Genk, Bruges, Ghent, and Standard.    

 The pitch, the stands, and the waiting and access areas together cover 27,000 m², which is on the lower end of the average for similar stadiums. The project is designed to make optimal use of the existing space and to preserve—or even enhance—all the functions that currently exist. 

Since 2021, Union has been growing in the sporting arena, and its fan base keeps expanding.   

The capacity of the Marien Stadium (8,500 seats) is far from sufficient to meet demand. The Marien is structurally sold out. As a result, many fans are unable to watch their favorite team play or experience the Union atmosphere.