Originally called Stade Municipal after its construction in 1928–1931, it was entirely rebuilt in 1990. Since July 1993, it has borne the name of Joseph "Josy" Barthel,[2] the 1500m gold medalist at the 1952 Olympics: Luxembourg's only Olympic gold medal winner.[3] The stadium is also home to the biggest athletics club in the country, CAL Spora Luxembourg. The spectator capacity is 7,983,[4] some under cover, some in the open air.
In 2014 it was announced that an investment of €230,000 would be required to get the stadium up to a sufficient standard to hold the qualifying matches for Euro 2016.
In June 2014, the Luxembourg Ministry of Sport, in conjunction with the Luxembourg City administration, decided upon the construction of the new Stade de Luxembourg in Gasperich, currently due to open in 2021.[5][6] As a result, the Luxembourg City authorities have announced their intentions to demolish the Stade Josy Barthel and redevelop its grounds and surrounding areas.[7]
^"Unique person for a unique place"(PDF). GSSE News - The Official Newspaper of the Games of the Small States of Europe in Luxembourg 2013. Luxembourg. 27 May 2013. p. 3. Retrieved 22 October 2013.