stade michel bendichou
Stade Michel-Bendichou is a rugby stadium in Colomiers, near Toulouse in southwestern France, and it serves as the home ground of Colomiers Rugby (also known as US Colomiers), who currently play in Rugby Pro D2, the second tier of French rugby union.
Quick facts
- Location: Colomiers, Haute-Garonne, France, in the Toulouse metropolitan area.
- Main use: Rugby union, primarily for Colomiers Rugby home matches.
- Capacity: Around 11,000–11,430 spectators, making it a medium-sized, intimate rugby venue.
- Surface: Natural grass pitch , as is standard for professional rugby.
Name and history
- The ground was historically known as Stade du Sélery before being renamed.
- It was renamed Stade Michel-Bendichou on 17 October 2004 in honor of Michel Bendichou, a long-serving and highly influential club president.
- Michel Bendichou was president of Colomiers Rugby from 1981 to 2004 and also served as player, captain, and vice-president, embodying the club’s long-term identity and values.
Who was Michel Bendichou?
- Under his presidency, Colomiers Rugby enjoyed its “golden years,” including:
- Winning the European Challenge (Challenge Européen) in 1998.
* Reaching a European Cup final in 1999.
* Reaching a French Top 16 final in 2000.
- He died suddenly in 2004 at the age of 60; the renaming of the stadium was a tribute to more than three decades of dedication to the club and its culture of conviviality, ambition, and player development.
Matchday vibe and usage
- The stadium is known as a lively, local rugby venue rather than a giant arena, which helps create a close, intense atmosphere on match days.
- Reports and venue descriptions highlight a vibrant ambiance and a range of food options, reflecting the strong rugby and culinary culture of the Toulouse area.
At-a-glance HTML table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Stade Michel-Bendichou |
| Former name | Stade du Sélery |
| Location | Colomiers, France |
| Main tenant | Colomiers Rugby / US Colomiers |
| Sport | Rugby union |
| Capacity | Approx. 11,000–11,430 |
| Surface | Grass |
| Named after | Michel Bendichou, president 1981–2004 |
| Renaming date | 17 October 2004 |