Buy Lens vs Brest tickets for the 2026/27 Season, with the Ligue 1 meeting scheduled for Saturday 23 January 2027 and currently listed for a 15:00 CET (14:00 GMT) kick-off at Stade Bollaert-Delelis. The league confirms final broadcast slots a few weeks before each round, so the exact time can still move. This is matchday 17, the last round of the first half of the season, and it lands in the same week as the Champions League league phase reaches its closing stages.
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That combination explains why RC Lens matchdays are so hard to plan late. Bollaert holds 38,223, more than the population of the town itself, and the club's recent league meetings with Brest have drawn crowds above 37,000. A January afternoon in the mining basin, with a side competing in Europe's top competition, is not a fixture that leaves many empty seats.
Lens secured direct Champions League qualification in 2025/26, and the club's return to that stage has sharpened demand for every home game. Supporters who want the European nights often commit to season tickets, which in turn shrinks what reaches single-match sale for league fixtures. A fixture on the last weekend of January sits right in that squeeze.
Brest bring their own story. The Breton club reached the Champions League for the first time in 2024/25, and they arrive as a side capable of hurting anyone on the counter. Their supporters face a journey of around 700 kilometres from the far west of Brittany, which keeps the away section compact but committed.
The atmosphere is the other driver. Bollaert is widely regarded as one of the loudest grounds in France, with the Marek-Xercès stand turning into a wall of red and gold before kick-off. Neutral fans travelling to French football often put Lens near the top of their list for exactly that reason, which adds to the demand from outside the region.
Timing plays its part too. Matchday 17 closes the first half of the Ligue 1 campaign, so both clubs will want to finish the phase strongly. For a Lens side juggling European commitments, a home win going into February matters, and home supporters know it.
Hospitality demand follows the same line. Corporate partners and local businesses take many of the lounges and boxes for the season, and a Saturday afternoon fixture is an easy one to entertain clients at. Resale hospitality listings for this match are likely to be limited.
There is also the club's place in its community. Lens is a small town with a huge following across the old coal-mining basin of the Pas-de-Calais, and supporting the Sang et Or is part of local identity. Demand does not rise and fall with the opponent in the way it does at many clubs. Whoever the visitors are, Bollaert expects a full house.
Yes, but the club route is narrow. Lens have a very large season ticket base, and single-match sales cover only what remains once those holders are accounted for. Priority windows for existing customers usually come first, so by the time general sale opens the choice is often limited to scattered seats.
Champions League qualification makes this harder. Season tickets that include priority for European home games are more attractive than ever, and fewer supporters let their places lapse. For a mid-season league fixture, that leaves little single-match stock for anyone outside the regular base.
Brest supporters face their own funnel. The away allocation is sold through the Breton club, with members and regular away travellers first in line. Those who miss out, or who live elsewhere in France and cannot commit early, need another route.
The away allocation itself is modest by the standards of Bollaert. Visiting supporters are placed in the Trannin stand, and the size of the section varies with the expected demand from the visiting club. For a trip of this length, the Brest end tends to be filled by a dedicated core of travelling fans rather than a large overflow, so seats there rarely reach resale in numbers.
A resale marketplace is that route. There is no season ticket requirement, no priority window and no need to wait for a release date. You choose the area, the number of seats and the delivery method, and you know your section before you pay.
Visitors from outside France face an extra hurdle on the club route. Club ticketing is built around a French-language account system and sales dates can be announced at short notice. For supporters planning from the UK, the Gulf or further afield, buying through a marketplace removes that uncertainty.
The trade-off is price. Resale listings reflect demand rather than face value, so central seats will cost more than the club's own prices. The benefit is certainty, which matters when flights and hotels need booking weeks in advance.
Buying early also protects your choice of area. The first listings to disappear for Lens home games are usually pairs in Lepagnot and seats in the upper Delacourt levels, because they balance view and price. Buyers who wait until the final week often find themselves choosing between the kop and the most expensive central blocks.
Five factors shape what seats cost for this 2026/27 fixture. Seat location matters most, with the central Lepagnot and Delacourt blocks commanding a premium over the upper corners. Demand climbs as the winter fixtures approach.
Timing plays its part, since prices often firm up in the final fortnight. Competition context adds weight if Lens are chasing the top places or Brest need points. Hospitality sits in its own bracket entirely.
| Ticket Type | Resale Price Range | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper tier corners and ends | £55 – £90 | Budget-minded buyers and groups | Steep stands keep sightlines good from high up |
| Longside standard | £75 – £120 | First-time visitors wanting a full view | Listings often note a no-away-colours rule for home areas |
| Lower tier central | £100 – £160+ | Buyers who want to be close to the pitch | Limited stock; pairs go faster than larger groups |
| Premium seating | £150 – £230+ | Couples and business guests | Central seats near the halfway line |
| Hospitality and VIP | £250 – £550+ | Corporate groups and special occasions | Lounge access with food and drink depending on tier |
Prices reflect typical resale ranges and may change as demand and availability shift closer to the match.
For context, the club's own league prices start at modest figures in euros for the popular stands and rise steadily towards the central seats. Resale premiums at Bollaert reflect the ground's near-constant demand more than the opponent. To see how a European night compares, listings for Lens vs Manchester City in the Champions League show how far a marquee visitor lifts the price.
Group size matters too. A single seat or a pair in a central block is far easier to source than four together, and sellers price larger blocks accordingly. If your group is happy to sit in two neighbouring rows, better value is usually available.
Bollaert opened in 1933 and was rebuilt for Euro 2016, keeping its steep, enclosed shape with four stands tight to the pitch. The Stade Bollaert-Delelis seating plan shows how each tribune and tier sits relative to the halfway line and the away section.
The Marek-Xercès stand is the heart of the ground, with the kop in its lower tier and standing configuration in place since 2018. Lepagnot opposite is the main stand, housing the dressing rooms, press area and reception spaces. Trannin, beside the railway line, contains the family section and the visiting supporters. Delacourt, at the other end, has a popular standing section at ground level with the club's offices above.
Every stand at Bollaert is steep and close to the touchline, a legacy of the Euro 2016 rebuild that kept the old ground's enclosed feel. There are very few poor views, and even the upper levels of Lepagnot put you surprisingly near the action. The main difference between areas is atmosphere, not sightlines.
| Area | What It Suits | Pricing Bracket | Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marek-Xercès (kop) | Fans who want noise and flags | Lower to mid | The loudest part of the ground; expect to stand and sing throughout |
| Lepagnot (main stand) | Buyers wanting the classic TV view | Upper | Central blocks and reception areas; four levels high |
| Delacourt | Groups wanting atmosphere with a seat option | Mid | Standing at ground level, seats above; next to the benches |
| Trannin family section | Parents and younger supporters | Lower to mid | Calmer area of the ground with a clear view of the pitch |
| Upper tiers and corners | Late buyers and larger groups | Lower | Steep rake keeps you close to play despite the height |
| Away section, Trannin Visiteurs | Brest supporters | Lower to mid | Accessed through gates 0.7, 1.7 and 2.7; Brest colours belong here only |
Neutral buyers and undecided fans should aim for Lepagnot or the seated upper levels of Delacourt. Home areas are exactly that, so leave the red and white of Brest at the hotel if you are not in the away section, and pick a listing that names the tribune before you pay. For every fixture at the ground this season, our Stade Bollaert-Delelis tickets listings bring them together in one place.
Standing or sitting is the first decision for home and neutral buyers. The kop gives the full Bollaert experience, but you will be on your feet for 90 minutes and the view depends on who stands in front of you. A seat in Lepagnot gives a fixed sightline and a clearer sense of the game's shape, which suits first-time visitors and anyone bringing children.
Hospitality at Bollaert is concentrated in the Lepagnot stand, where the club's reception spaces sit alongside the press area. Packages range from business seats with lounge access to private boxes for larger parties.
| Hospitality Option | Typical Buyer | Main Appeal |
|---|---|---|
| Business seat | Individuals and pairs | Padded central seat with lounge access before and after the match |
| Lounge package | Small client groups | Buffet dining, drinks and a shared lounge close to the seats |
| Private box | Corporate hosts and larger parties | Private space overlooking the pitch with dedicated catering |
| Premium matchday package | Occasion buyers | Top-tier seating with full dining and early arrival |
Inclusions vary by tier, so read each listing for arrival times, dress guidance and whether parking is part of the package. On a cold January afternoon in northern France, time in a heated lounge before kick-off is a strong reason to upgrade.
Hospitality also solves the group problem. Standard seats for four or six together are hard to find in central blocks, whereas a lounge or box package is sold as a unit. For client entertaining or a milestone birthday, it removes the guesswork about where everyone will sit.
Tickets for Lens home games are issued in several formats. The delivery method appears on every listing, so confirm it suits you before you pay.
| Delivery Type | What to Confirm |
|---|---|
| Mobile tickets | Transferred to a phone app; confirm the app account is set up and working well before matchday |
| E-tickets | PDF or print-at-home; confirm the name on the ticket and print a backup copy |
| Paper tickets | Courier or hotel delivery; confirm your address and arrival dates |
| Collection | Handed over near the stadium or in the town; confirm the meeting point and time in your order |
Read the listing notes carefully, particularly any restrictions on away supporters in home blocks. Bring valid photo ID and charge your phone fully if you are using mobile entry.
Bollaert sits close to the centre of Lens, and Gare de Lens is a short walk from the ground. Aim to arrive at least an hour before kick-off, since security searches at the gates take time on a full house. Travel light and leave larger bags at your hotel.
Timing of delivery varies by method. Mobile tickets are often released to sellers in the final days before kick-off, so a transfer arriving the week of the match is normal rather than a warning sign. Your order confirmation shows the expected dispatch window.
Drivers can reach the ground from the A21 and A211 motorways, although parking close to Bollaert is limited on matchdays and traffic builds up around the town centre. The train is usually the simpler option, particularly for visitors staying in Lille. After the final whistle, expect busy platforms at Gare de Lens and allow time for the crowd to clear.
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Step1
Find the fixture
Search for Lens or Brest and select the 23 January 2027 Ligue 1 match at Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Step2
Set up your account
Create an account with your email address so your order and delivery details are saved in one place.
Step3
Choose your area
Compare Lepagnot, Delacourt, the Marek-Xercès kop and the away section against your budget and the atmosphere you want.
Step4
Match the supporter section
Home and visiting areas are listed separately. Brest fans should buy in the Trannin away section only.
Step5
Select quantity
Pick how many seats you need and look for listings that confirm seats together if that matters to your group.
Step6
Read the listing notes
Review the delivery method, any colours restrictions and the expected dispatch date before continuing.
Step7
Pay securely
Complete payment on our encrypted payment page and keep the confirmation email for your records.
Step8
Follow your order
Use track order to see dispatch progress until your tickets arrive.
Value at Bollaert comes from timing and flexibility rather than luck. These five habits consistently help buyers get more for their money in Lens.
Lens is well connected for visitors from abroad. Direct high-speed trains run from Paris Gare du Nord in a little over an hour, and Lille, with its Eurostar connections to London and Brussels, is a short regional train ride away. Mobile tickets and e-tickets suit international buyers best, since they reach you wherever you are. If you need paper tickets, give a hotel address and allow for courier time.
Accommodation in Lens itself is limited, and rooms near the station fill quickly on matchdays. Many visitors stay in Lille and travel in by train, which also opens up the city's restaurants and bars before and after the game. Plan your return journey before you travel, since trains after the match can be busy.
Lens itself rewards an early arrival. The town's mining heritage is visible everywhere, from the slag heaps on the horizon to the Louvre-Lens museum within walking distance of the stadium, and the bars around the ground fill up hours before kick-off with supporters in red and gold.
Groups should request seats together at the point of purchase rather than assume a listing will split cleanly. Ligue 1 kick-off times are set by the league a few weeks out and can move for broadcast reasons, so book flexible travel where you can. If you are building a trip around European football, Lens vs Sporting CP shows what a Champions League night at Bollaert looks like.
For Brest supporters, the trip is one of the longest in the league. Many travel by coach or combine rail connections through Paris, so allow plenty of time and confirm the away entry gates before you arrive. Payment is in euros, and cards are widely accepted, although some cash for smaller bars and stadium kiosks is sensible.
In the Ligue 1 era, the clubs first met at Bollaert on 16 April 2011, a 1-1 draw in front of 30,713 in a season that ended in relegation for Lens. It was a decade before they met there again. When they did, on 23 December 2020, the stadium was empty because of pandemic restrictions, and Lens won 2-1 in their first season back in the top flight.
Brest's only league win at Bollaert in this period came on 5 March 2022, a 1-0 victory in front of more than 36,000. Lens answered on the opening day of 2022/23 with a 3-2 win, the start of a season in which they finished as runners-up. Since then the home side have won three more in a row at Bollaert, including a 2-0 win in August 2024 and a 3-1 comeback in August 2025.
The recent meetings in Brittany have been just as lively, with the most recent one there finishing 3-3 in April 2026. That result underlines how open this fixture tends to be. Neither side sets up to defend for a draw, which makes for a watchable afternoon regardless of the table.
What makes this one distinctive is the contrast in styles and settings. Lens play in front of one of the most intense crowds in France, while Brest have built their recent success on organisation and quick breaks. At Bollaert the home record is strong, but Brest have shown they can spoil the party.
For a buyer, that history points to a fixture with genuine edge rather than a routine mid-season game. The last two meetings at Bollaert produced six goals between them. A full house on a January afternoon should see the same intensity.
Brest's own rise adds weight to the pairing. A club that spent years moving between the top two divisions has become a stable Ligue 1 side, and their Champions League campaign in 2024/25 earned them respect across France. Lens, for their part, have turned Bollaert into one of the hardest places in the division to take points, which is exactly why a Brest win there in 2022 still stands out.
The figures below cover Ligue 1 meetings at Stade Bollaert-Delelis with Lens as hosts since the division took its current name.
| Metric | Total |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 7 |
| Lens wins | 5 |
| Brest wins | 1 |
| Draws | 1 |
| Lens goals | 12 |
| Brest goals | 6 |
| Biggest Lens win | 3-1 |
| Biggest Brest win | 0-1 |
| First Ligue 1 meeting in scope | 16 April 2011 |
| Most recent meeting in scope | 29 August 2025 |
Source: Ligue 1 match centre, UEFA match records, ESPN, Sports Mole and Lensois.com, cross-referenced against club match reports.
All seven results are listed newest first.
| Date | Score |
|---|---|
| 29 Aug 2025 | Lens 3-1 Brest |
| 25 Aug 2024 | Lens 2-0 Brest |
| 09 Mar 2024 | Lens 1-0 Brest |
| 07 Aug 2022 | Lens 3-2 Brest |
| 05 Mar 2022 | Lens 0-1 Brest |
| 23 Dec 2020 | Lens 2-1 Brest |
| 16 Apr 2011 | Lens 1-1 Brest |
Source: Ligue 1 match centre, UEFA, Fox Sports, Sports Mole and Lensois.com, with each score confirmed by two independent records.
December is usually a good window, before the final fortnight when prices tend to firm up at a ground this busy.
Visiting supporters are housed in the Trannin stand, entering through gates 0.7, 1.7 and 2.7. Brest colours should only be worn there.
The lower Marek stand has operated as a standing kop since 2018, so expect to be on your feet throughout.
Yes, provided the listing states seats together. Pairs are easiest to find, while groups of four or more should buy early.
Depending on tier, expect a padded central seat in Lepagnot, lounge access, dining and drinks, with private boxes for larger parties.
Sources: Ligue 1 official match centre and 2026/27 fixture list; RC Lens official club website (stadium tribunes information); UEFA match records; ESPN; Fox Sports; Sports Mole; Lensois.com; Plan-stade.fr; Sporting Life.