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๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ช Belgium /Sports

Lommel adjusts stadium access and parking after club's promotion

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The city of Lommel is implementing changes around its stadium following Lommel SK's promotion to the top football league.
  • New measures include separate entrances for home and away supporters and plans to increase parking capacity.
  • These adjustments aim to improve safety and manage increased attendance at the Soevereinstadion.

Following the promotion of Lommel SK to Belgium's highest football division, the city of Lommel is undertaking significant adjustments to the infrastructure surrounding the Soevereinstadion. These changes are designed to enhance safety and manage the anticipated increase in spectator numbers.

That was not the case yet. Now that more supporters will come to Lommel, it is safer to work with separate entrances.

โ€” Bob NijsMayor Bob Nijs explains the rationale behind implementing separate entrances for home and away fans.

A primary modification involves the introduction of separate entrances for home and away supporters. Mayor Bob Nijs explained that this measure is crucial for ensuring a safer environment, especially with more fans expected to attend matches. "We want everyone to be able to come to the football peacefully," Nijs stated, emphasizing the need to protect all attendees, including families with children, from potential disruptions by aggressive individuals.

In addition to entrance management, the city plans to expand parking facilities at the Soevereinsite. Recognizing the current shortage of parking on busy days, which affects not only the stadium but also adjacent facilities like a swimming pool and sports hall, Lommel has acquired several plots of land for this purpose.

We want everyone to be able to come to the football peacefully. Both passionate supporters and people with their children. They should not be bothered by hotheads who might be among the supporters.

โ€” Bob NijsMayor Nijs elaborates on the safety measures aimed at ensuring a positive experience for all spectators.

The city council has been collaborating with the club to implement these necessary upgrades. The goal is to accommodate the growing fan base and ensure a positive matchday experience for everyone involved, from dedicated supporters to casual attendees.

On busy days, we are short of parking spaces.

โ€” Bob NijsMayor Nijs highlights the need for more parking due to the multi-use nature of the Soevereinsite.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.