In Besançon, the idea of a multi-sports arena with more than 3,000 seats seems to have already been lost in the winding paths of endless discussions around a velodrome. The current Sports Palace is used 65 hours a week, from Monday morning to Sunday evening.
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In the last municipal elections, the majority of candidates prioritized the construction of a multi-sport sports facility with more than 3,000 seats. So the reality of the beginning of 2020 did not survive the game of election promises, the health crisis and the subsequent global economic disruption linked to the Ukraine conflict, because at best a velodrome could come to light. Meanwhile, Ghani Yalouz Sports Palace is hosting more and more matches and events. Until when?
Hand and basketball competing on the court
Since the beginning of the season, BesAC has also seen home matches of ESB F and GBDH, two professional handball clubs that have been in residence for over ten years, as well as home matches of Palente Besançon handball and ESB F reserve (Nationale 1). Shot ranges are increasing this season (National 1). With the decision of the two handball clubs to play again on parquet ground instead of Taraflex, eleven matches plus a possible move to the play-offs were made possible. “It is not the city’s choice”, as GBDH president Christophe Vichot insists: “It is not for me to say whether this equipment is suitable or not. We are no more affected by the increase in BesAC rotations than by many other things that are happening there. We continue to be privileged residents with the ESBF and adapt to our basketball calendars »
BesAC vice-president Pierre Labbé explains that he has made major sporting concessions on his part: “To adapt to the gaps, for example, we will play four consecutive matches away and take advantage of this. Sports Palace during the periods when handball is stopped! »
Used for 65 hours from Monday to Sunday
“There are also quotas given to UFR Staps, ENSEMM and Fanart primary school,” says accountant Abdel Ghezali, the first deputy responsible for sports: “In total, from Monday to Sunday, the large hall of the Palace of Sports is used for 65 hours. »And always. Kudos to the chairmen and coaches of the ESBF and GBDH who were quick to find a solution. » Because that’s the grease in the wheels, course management requires it. That’s “six full-time equivalent (FTE) and a permanent inspector, that is, no more than municipal swimming pools aside It is provided by our consuming sports facility. »
But the Palace still has a bright future ahead if “the community needs new equipment,” according to the elected official: “This room looks great. The Bisontins are very committed to it! It fits perfectly with the audience averages of both ESBF and GBDH. And it still does.” It allows us to organize French championships every year, such as badminton in 2024. We determine our dates for the clubs that will enter the professional league in June, before the calendars are prepared. » The only thing left is to keep our fingers crossed that the sports environment remains the same.
