Marseille Stade Orange Vélodrome
Stade Orange Vélodrome, also known simply as Stade Vélodrome, is a multi-purpose stadium in the city of Marseille, France. The original stadium began construction in 1935, and was designed by architectural firm Pollack Ploquin. It was built on the site of military grounds, belonging to the city. It opened 1937. Since then, it's been the home ground to Olympique de Marseille football club, who played the inaugural match when it opened. It's owned by the City of Marseille, and operated by the club. The stadium's four stands are named "Tribune Jean-Bouin", "Tribune Ganay", "Virage Sud Chevalier Roze" and "Virage Nord De Peretti". Tribune Jean-Bouin is named after runner Jean Bouin, Tribune Ganay is named after cyclist Gustave Ganay, Virage Sud Chevalier Roze is named after a historical figure of the 16th century plague, Chevalier Roze, and Virage Nord De Peretti is named after a famous Olympique de Marseille supporter Patrice De Peretti. The stadium is named "Stade Orange Vélodrome" after the well-known French telecommunications provider, Orange.
The stadium was, as its name suggests, originally used for both football matches, and cycling competitions, however, as these became less common, the track, which circled the stadium, was partially replaced by seating. Because of that, it became common for pitch invasions by Olympique de Marseille fans. In 1970, the stadium underwent its first renovation, replacing floodlights and increasing seating capacity. A good decade later, the stadium went under renovation again in preparation for the UEFA Euro 1984. Olympique de Marseille returned to their former Stade de l'Huveaune for the 1982–1983 season. During the Euro, the stadium set an attendance record at 54,848. In 1985, the cycling track was removed completely, bringing the capacity up to 48,000. The Stade Vélodrome was completely renovated for the 1998 World Cup, with its capacity increased to 60,031, with the stadium hosting seven matches, including these of France against South Africa, Argentina against the Netherlands, and the semi-final between Brazil and the Netherlands. The stadium also hosted six games of the 2007 Rugby World Cup, including two quarter-finals, being Australia against England, and South Africa against Fiji. In 2011, the stadium underwent another renovation in preparation for the UEFA Euro 2016. It finished in 2014, making it an "UEFA Elite Stadium".
Other sporting events that the stadium paid host to include the 1938 FIFA World Cup and the 1960 European Nations' Cup. Musical acts who performed at the stadium include AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, U2 and more.
Muse appearances
Venue address
Stade Orange Vélodrome
3 Boulevard Michelet
13008 Saint-Giniez
Marseille
France