Velodrome Stadium

The Velodrome Stadium is one of Marseille’s most emblematic landmarks, regularly thrilling the city with its football matches. Take an exclusive tour of the Velodrome Stadium with Marseille Tourist Office. Whether you’re with friends, family or supporters’ clubs, you’ll want to experience Marseille at its best! And find out a little more about the anecdotes that shape this place? Then head to the stadium. It’s been home to many football celebrities, but it’s not the only one… This legendary venue, steeped in history, has been bringing the city of Marseille to life for over 80 years!

The history of the stadium

Its history began in 1937 with a sport other than football. As its name suggests, it was initially a velodrome. Little by little, other sporting events were organised there (the Tour de France cycle race, the world track cycling championships, athletics, gymnastics, boxing and rugby competitions). Families from Marseilles regularly attended all these events. This marked the beginning of a great relationship between the people of Marseilles and this magical venue.
In preparation for the European Football Championships in 1984, the stadium underwent a number of changes, with the Vélodrome track gradually disappearing and later being completely demolished to make way for bleachers.
In July 1992, the Executive Committee of FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) awarded France the contract to organise the 16th FIFA World Cup. As some of the matches were to be held in Marseille, it was decided to extend the stadium. An architects’ competition was launched in May 1994, and architect Jean-Pierre Buffi’s project was selected. On 4 September 1997, the Stade Vélodrome played host to the “World of Football” with the draw for the World Cup finals. On 25 February 1998, the stadium was fully completed with the opening of the North Stand (Allées Ray Grassi).

Over the years, the stadium has undergone a number of major changes. The European Nations Championship in 1984, the Football World Cup in 1998, the Rugby World Cup in 2007 and the Euro in 2016. Not forgetting major concerts by ACDC, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Muse, Beyonce and many more! The Velodrome has been transformed into a modern, state-of-the-art indoor stadium. It now seats 67,000 and meets the latest accessibility and energy standards.

Did you know?

Velodrome Stadium is an avant-garde model of a digital and eco-responsible stadium (rainwater recovery thanks to the design of its roof). It has the most modern communications equipment and is classified as a “UEFA Elite” stadium.

What to do at the Velodrome

Attend an Olympique de Marseille match

Velodrome Stadium is the second largest stadium in France after Stade de France in terms of capacity. So don’t hesitate to get your tickets and enjoy a truly Marseille experience! Go and see a match, and thrill to the sound of Marseille supporters!

It’s guaranteed to be a thrilling spectacle!

Take a guided tour backstage

You can visit the stadium all year round, and discover what goes on behind the scenes at this legendary venue. You can take a self-guided tour of the stadium, where you’ll see first-hand accounts and visuals recounting the glory days of the stadium and Olympique de Marseille. The changing rooms, the edges of the pitch, the press conference room and many other exclusive areas are all accessible during the tour.