History of the stadium

Designed by the architect Henri Ploquin and opened in 1937, the Stade Velodrome is an iconic monument that has witnessed the finest moments in Marseille’s sporting history. In its early years, it hosted a wide variety of disciplines, including cycling (hence the name), athletics, rugby, football and even motorcycle and car races. It could originally hold 35,000 spectators but underwent several extensions throughout the 20th century, most notably ahead of the 1998 World Cup, when its capacity increased to 60,000. Recognised around the world as the home of Olympique de Marseille, it also hosts various high-profile events, such as important rugby matches and concerts.

Now a new chapter is opening in the history of the Stade Velodrome with the current renovation project which is due to be completed in 2014, in time to be approved for EURO 2016.

Key dates in the project

• June 2009: After a project definition phase undertaken by the City of Marseille, in association with Olympique de Marseille, a call for tenders is issued with a view to reconfiguring the Stade Velodrome and its surroundings. The City decides to pursue the project as a public-private partnership (PPP).
• January-June 2010: competitive dialogue phase
• 21 June 2010: Jean-Claude Gaudin, the Mayor of Marseille, announces Arema as the company chosen to carry the project forward.
• 12 July 2010: chosen project presented to the city council.
• July-October 2010: finalisation of contracts.
• 8 November 2010: signature of the partnership contract between the City of Marseille, represented by the Senator and Mayor of Marseille, Jean-Claude Gaudin, and Arema, represented by the President and CEO of Bouygues, Martin Bouygues.
• 1 June 2011: Arema become the stadium operator. Less than two years after the call for tenders, the project completion group led by GFC Construction – chosen by Arema to carry out the stadium work – open the site.
• 9 June 2011: the first stone of the future Stade Velodrome is laid, in the presence of the Minister of Sports, Chantal Jouanno, and Jean Claude Gaudin.
• 30 June 2014: delivery of the new stadium after three years of work.