Stade Vélodrome

The Stade Velodrome was built in 1937, making it one of the longest-serving major football stadiums in France. It takes its name from a velodrome that previously occupied the site. Over the decades it has undergone significant expansion and modernisation, culminating in a complete rebuild that transformed it into one of Europe's premier arenas.

Construction and opening

The stadium opened in 1937 as the home of Olympique de Marseille. Its original capacity was considerably smaller than today's, but successive upgrades tracked the club's growing fanbase. The stadium's most recent architectural overhaul was led by Jean-Pierre Buffi.

Major renovations

Ahead of the 1998 FIFA World Cup, the stadium was significantly upgraded to meet modern standards. The most transformative project, however, ran from 2011 to 2014: a full reconstruction that enclosed the entire bowl under a sweeping undulating roof at a cost of approximately 267 million euros. The roof dramatically amplified noise levels inside, cementing the Velodrome's reputation as one of Europe's loudest grounds.

Notable moments

The stadium witnessed pivotal moments at multiple global tournaments. During the 1998 World Cup on French soil, it staged group and knockout-stage matches featuring Zinedine Zidane. At UEFA Euro 2016, France beat Iceland 5:2 in a quarter-final here. The 2023 Rugby World Cup brought a different sport but the same electric atmosphere, with the enclosed bowl generating extraordinary noise during pool-stage matches.

The Stade Velodrome is widely regarded as one of the loudest and most intense football stadiums in the world. Marseille has a deeply embedded football culture, and the supporters of Olympique de Marseille — the Marseillais — are legendary for their relentless vocal commitment and their fierce local pride.

Fan culture

The south end — Virage Sud — is the heartbeat of the OM support and home to the most passionate supporter groups. Songs begin during the warm-up and barely pause until the final whistle. The rousing chant of Aux armes! — accompanied by vast flag displays and choreographed tifos — gives the south end an atmosphere that rivals the most celebrated ends in South America or southern Europe. Since the 2014 reconstruction enclosed the roof, the sound trapped inside the bowl has become a defining characteristic: players and managers consistently describe Velodrome on a big match night as one of the most demanding environments in European football.

Big matches

Le Classique — Olympique de Marseille vs Paris Saint-Germain — is the match that defines the Velodrome's biggest occasions. When OM host PSG, the stadium sells out weeks in advance and the atmosphere reaches a ferocity that shakes the stands. International fixtures have produced similar intensity: at UEFA Euro 2016 the ground roared for the French national team in front of a packed crowd, and the 2023 Rugby World Cup demonstrated that Marseille's passion extends to any major sporting spectacle staged here.

The Stade Velodrome is well served by Marseille's public transport network, and the stadium district offers plenty of options for pre- and post-match food and drink.

How to get there

• Metro: Line 2 (blue), station Rond-Point du Prado — approximately 15 minutes on foot to the stadium
• Tram: Line T2, stop Stade Velodrome — direct access to the stadium entrance
• Bus: RTM routes 21 and 22 connect the city centre directly to the stadium
• Car: Street parking exists in the surrounding area but is heavily congested on match days; public transport is strongly recommended

Tickets and tours

Tickets for Olympique de Marseille matches are available through the club's official website and authorised retailers. Standard Ligue 1 fixtures often have tickets available on match day, but Le Classique against PSG sells out weeks in advance. The stadium offers guided tours including access to the dressing rooms, the pitch, and the presidential lounge.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive: At least 45–60 minutes before kick-off; the surrounding streets and bars fill up an hour beforehand
• Food and drink: The neighbourhood around the stadium has bars and brasseries; Marseille's famous bouillabaisse fish stew can be found at restaurants a short distance away
• Colours: As with any major club fixture, avoid wearing opposing team colours in home supporter areas