{"id":140251,"date":"2022-09-29T15:35:32","date_gmt":"2022-09-29T13:35:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.monaco-tribune.com\/2022\/09\/gaston-medecin-metamorphosis-matches-as-monacos-international-ambitions\/"},"modified":"2022-12-30T20:31:38","modified_gmt":"2022-12-30T19:31:38","slug":"gaston-medecin-metamorphosis-matches-as-monacos-international-ambitions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.monaco-tribune.com\/en\/2022\/09\/gaston-medecin-metamorphosis-matches-as-monacos-international-ambitions\/","title":{"rendered":"Gaston-M\u00e9decin metamorphosis matches AS Monaco’s international ambitions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

After a metamorphosis that only took a few weeks, a bigger, brighter Gaston-M\u00e9decin sports hall was unveiled to the press on Tuesday. AS Monaco Basket’s home now meets Euroleague standards, with nearly 5,000 seats, and will be inaugurated on Sunday 2 October at the championship match against Roanne.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first impression is striking. It feels so big in contrast to what we remember from the final match of last season against ASVEL, in the fourth French championship finals playoff<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With many additional rows of seating for a total of almost 5,000 seats made of beech wood from French forests, the Gaston-M\u00e9decin sports hall has undergone a major facelift in just a few months at an estimated cost of 14 million euros. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An eco-responsible approach…<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

“We adopted an eco-responsible approach,” says Sylvie Bertrand, director of the Louis II stadium. “We now have the only venue in the world to host top-level basketball matches that is made entirely of wood.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A magnificent venue, with an impressive gradient in the rows and curves that will seat the different groups of supporters, and the new AS Monaco Basket kop in the South stands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I think it will make for an even warmer atmosphere for the Roca Team fans,” said Paul Masseron, vice-president of AS Monaco Basket. “As well as being connoisseurs, our spectators are very family-oriented and their number has grown steadily over the years.”<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

160 tonnes of prefabricated steel were also assembled to support the upper stands, in addition to the 400m3 of timber brought in to renovate the seating. Court-side, the flooring has not been changed, but a brand new playing surface is due to be introduced next season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n