The legendary Marseille Stadium (also known as Stade Vélodrome) is France’s second-largest arena and has been the stage for the European and national achievements of Olympique de Marseille (its resident football club) since it was built. Constructed in 1937, Stade Vélodrome underwent several renovations through to its most recent one which was completed in 2014 under the direction of architects SCAU. Following this renovation, Stade Vélodrome has a modern new look thanks to the roof that now covers its curved stands, as well as increased capacity.
With its modernised infrastructure, the stadium is now aligned with an environmentally responsible approach. For instance, it recovers heat from a neighbouring wastewater treatment plant to cover half of its heating needs and has set up a new system for recovering and reusing rainwater.
In addition to the home matches of Olympique de Marseille, the stadium has hosted matches for the French national team and all of the major competitions organised in France since the first half of the 20th century: the 1938 and 1998 Football World Cups, the 1984 and 2016 European Football Championships, the 2007 Rugby World Cup and the 2023 Rugby World Cup. It will also be the stage for several matches for the Paris 2024 Olympic football tournaments. Stade Vélodrome also regularly hosts concerts by international stars, including the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Céline Dion and AC/DC.
Legacy
After the Games, the stadium will continue to host Olympique de Marseille’s national and European matches, as well as major cultural and sporting events.
