Velodrome Stadium Marseille

Iconic symbol of the city of Marseille, the Velodrome Stadium is the residence of the Olympique de Marseille since its creation.

On April 28, 1935, the first stone was laid on the former Turcat Mery car factory. The inauguration of the Velodrome Stadium occurs 2 years later and becomes the residence of the famous Olympian football club since its beginning. Fifty years later, the Velodrome Stadium loses its cycling path, which it held the name, to build new bleachers and increase the stadium capacity.
 
The 2 tribunes and 2 bends of the stadium hold dear names in the history of Marseille: 

  • The Gustave Ganay Tribune: cyclist from Marseille and middle distance running champion.
  • The Jean Bouin Tribune: runner from Marseille, a silver medallist at the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm .
  • The North Bend Patrice de Peretti “Depé”: OM supporter and founder of “Marseille Too Powerful” supporter group, died in 2000 at 28 years old. 
  • The South Bend Chevalier Roze: nobleman who particularly distinguished himself by creating a hospital in Marseille during the plague in 1720. 

 
The Velodrome Stadium is not only dedicated to football as it hosts for years other sporting events such as motorcycle races, boxing matches or even now Rugby matches and various shows and concerts (The Police, AC/DC or the Rolling Stones).
 
Since 2010, the Velodrome Stadium has embarked on an extensive renovation project with the Euro 2016 as target. Total cost of the renovation project is estimated at 267 million euros. The important point of this work is the cover of the stadium and the switch from 60 000 to 67 054 seats. The new stadium will have a shopping center with 20 000 m² dedicated to sport and local shops, low-energy accommodation and office buildings gathered together in an eco-district.
 
The new Velodrome Stadium will be part of a sustainable development approach since it will be independent in non-drinkable water (rainwater recovery). This water will be used for watering the lawn, sanitary and cleaning outdoor areas. It will also use renewable energy such as wind or use calories energy from the sewage station nearby.
 
Until the inauguration on September 6, 2014, finishing works continue at the Velodrome Stadium...
 
 
Useful Information:
 
Vélodrome Stadium Marseille
3 Boulevard Michelet
13008 Marseille
 
Subway: Ligne 2, Rond-point du Prado or Ste Marguerite – Dromel Stop