Stade Auguste Bonal, football stadium in Montbéliard, France
Stade Auguste Bonal is a football stadium in Montbéliard that serves as the home ground for FC Sochaux-Montbéliard. The venue holds about 20,000 spectators and features modern amenities including hybrid grass, LED lighting, and several VIP lounges alongside sponsorship boxes.
The stadium opened on 11 November 1931 as Stade de la Forge, built beside the Peugeot works, with a 1,000-seat stand and a pitch sown with English grass. In July 1945 it was renamed after Auguste Bonal, the club's former sporting director, killed by the Germans on 21 April 1945 for refusing to collaborate. Rebuilt from spring 1997 to 2000, it was inaugurated on 22 July 2000 with the Trophée des champions between Nantes and Monaco.
The stadium has borne Auguste Bonal's name since July 1945; he was the club's sporting director, shot by the Germans on 21 April 1945 for refusing to collaborate. Fans also know the ground for the 12-1 win over Valenciennes, still its most prolific match, in which Trello Abegglen scored seven times.
The stadium sits less than a kilometer from the city center and train station, making it easy to reach on foot. Visitors can arrive by car and use the ample parking nearby, or take public transportation to get there.
A life-sized mural of Auguste Bonal was unveiled on the stadium wall in 2021 and stands 7 meters tall. The artwork honors his resistance efforts against Nazi occupation during World War II.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,474 contributors worldwide.
