Stade Vélodrome is a multipurpose stadium in Marseille, France. It is also known as Marseille Stadium due to its location. This multipurpose stadium in France used to host various sporting events. Football, rugby league, concerts and similar events are hosted here regularly. Currently, it is known as CEPAC Vélodrome since July 2026 after the naming rights agreement. It is one of the largest stadiums in France with a capacity of over 66000 visitors for football and rugby games. It can accommodate more than 75000 visitors during large concerts after the on-field arrangements.
Stade Vélodrome seating plan with seat numbers and rows helps in finding the seats. The construction of the multipurpose stadium in the city of Marseille started in 1935, and it was completed in 1937. It has been the home of Olympique de Marseille football club since 1937. Olympique de Marseille competes in Ligue 1. Home games of the team are played at the CEPAC Vélodrome. It is also used occasionally to host games of RC Toulon rugby union team. The French national football team and rugby union team use Stade Vélodrome for selected games.
Stade Vélodrome remains busy throughout the year to host sports, concerts, and other events. It is a UEFA 4-rated stadium and is known as Stade Vélodrome during UEFA games due to the absence of sponsorship names. This multipurpose stadium in France has undergone multiple renovations over the years, and the last renovation was completed in 2014. After the recent renovation, the capacity of the stadium increased to above 66000 for football and rugby games. It is the second largest stadium in France by seating capacity, and Stade de France is the largest stadium in the country, with a capacity of about 80000.
Orange S.A. French multinational telecommunications company purchased the naming rights of Stade Vélodrome in 2016 for 10 years; therefore, it was renamed Orange Vélodrome till 2026. Currently, it is known commercially as CEPAC Vélodrome. Ticket demand is always high before big events, so early reservations are highly recommended. This stadium in France has hosted many notable events, including the FIFA World Cups, the Rugby World Cups, and the Summer Olympics.
Stade Vélodrome Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Stadium name | Stade Vélodrome / CEPAC Vélodrome |
| Location | 3 Boulevard Michelet, 13008 Marseille, France |
| Main tenant | Olympique de Marseille (OM) |
| Capacity | Approximately 67,354 seats |
| Stadium type | Outdoor football and multi-purpose venue |
| Main stands | Jean Bouin, Ganay, Virage Nord and Virage Sud |
| Roof | All seating areas covered |
| Metro | Line M2: Rond-Point du Prado and Sainte-Marguerite Dromel |
| Tram | T3 to Sainte-Marguerite Dromel |
| Parking | Limited immediately around the stadium; park-and-ride is recommended |
Orange Vélodrome Seating Plan
It is one of the largest stadiums in France by seating capacity and the seats are spread across multiple levels to accommodate over 66000 visitors. The seating sections with name/numbers helps in finding the seats. The CEPAC Velodrome layout shows all seating sections with the necessary information. This Stadium remains full for most of the events.
The location of premium sections, general seating area, accessible sections, etc are shown on the Velodrome stadium layout. Accessible sections are reserved for people with disabilities or those in wheelchairs. Early booking is recommended due to limited availability and high demand. Accessible washrooms, changing rooms, companion seats, etc. are available near the disabled seats.
The layout also helps in choosing the best sections of Velodrome Stadium before booking tickets.
Stade Velodrome Concert Seating Plan
It is regularly used to host large concerts and similar events. It can easily accommodate over 75000 visitors after the temporary on field arrangements inside the Velodrome Stadium. The location of the on-field arrangement, performance stage, and fixed seats is depicted on the concert layout. The stadium layout can vary entirely depending on the organizers’ demands.
The seating sections behind the performance stage are generally not usable due to poor views. A seating arrangement chart before big concerts is quite useful to locate the seats.
Stade Velodrome Best Seats
The areas closest to the field and the stage are among the best areas during concerts at the Velodrome Stadium. The atmosphere is electrifying and the view is also amazing in the stands around the stage. Other on field areas are also good for the atmosphere. The sections near the stage are the most expensive areas and highly demanded before high voltage. The seating sections in the stands facing the performance stage and near the stage are also among the most expensive and best areas. The seating sections in the upper level facing the performance stage are popular with visitors on an affordable budget.
It is a regular venue for football and rugby Union games. The seating sections near the midfield at Stade Velodrome are the best areas. The sections in the lower level close to the midfield are expensive while the upper level seats near the midfield are affordable.
| Seating Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Seats | Central Jean Bouin or Ganay | Balanced view of the pitch, tactics and both goals | Central seats can be expensive |
| Best Budget Seats | Upper rows of Ganay or Jean Bouin | Value for money; elevated view across the pitch | Players appear farther away |
| Premium & VIP Seating | Central Jean Bouin or Ganay hospitality areas | Luxury & exclusive experience, hospitality and premium views | Higher ticket prices; inclusions vary |
| Seats to Avoid | — | Choose based on your priorities | Extreme corner seats can make the far goal harder to judge; restricted-view seats should be avoided if visibility matters |
| Atmosphere seats | Virage Nord or Virage Sud | Intense supporter atmosphere, chants and singing | Less suitable for visitors seeking a quieter experience; views can be more end-on |
Ganay Stand has premium sections near the midfield and the location of these are depicted on the colour coated map.
Seating sections I and G are the best areas in the Jean Bouin Stand to enjoy the football/rugby games. It is advisable to choose the sections around the midfield to get a good view of the field. The seating sections in the last rows and in extreme corners are not good for viewing inside the Stade Velodrome.
The seating sections in the stands behind the goalposts are good for the atmosphere and witnessing scoring moments. The seats in the upper levels provide an elevated view of the field, and they are lighter on pocket.
Stade Vélodrome Parking Map
Parking is limited at the venue and public transport is recommended. The RTM car park around the stadium can hold approximately 750 vehicles. Additional car parking lots around the venue can hold an additional 1900 vehicles. Accessible parking is available in the parking lots. The location of all parking lots around the stadium, with directions and landmarks, is shown on the Velodrome Stadium parking map.
Some additional parking lots around the stadium are also available and availability depends on various factors. The public transport options near the stadium are depicted on the parking lot map.
Reaching to Velodrome Stadium via public transport is a wise option. Rond-Point du Prado and Sainte-Marguerite Dromel are on Metro Line M2 and near the stadium. The Sainte-Marguerite Dromel stop on Tram T3 is also easy to use. Several bus stops are situated outside the stadium. Road restrictions and congestions are common before big events therefore public transport is highly recommended.
The travel map helps in choosing the right transport options to reach the Velodrome Stadium. Pre-booking a parking space is recommended if available. Visitors can check this link to learn more about parking, public transport options and directions.
Bag Policy and Storage
| Item | Policy |
|---|---|
| Large bags and suitcases | Prohibited |
| Power banks | Listed among prohibited items |
| Non-folding umbrellas | Prohibited |
| Helmets | Prohibited |
| Selfie sticks, tripods and professional cameras | Prohibited or restricted |
| Alcohol and drugs | Prohibited |
| Weapons, explosives and flammable sprays | Prohibited |
| Animals | Prohibited except assistance dogs |
| Plastic bottles | May be prohibited at entry for security reasons; confirm event-specific rules |
| Strollers | Listed among prohibited items |
Limited storage facility is available on the Ganay and Jean Bouin forecourts on match and event days by paying a fee of €2 in cash only.
Events 2026
| Day & Date | Event | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, October 15, 2026 | Olympique de Marseille vs Olympiakos FC — UEFA Europa League, 9:00 PM | European Football |
| Sunday, October 25, 2026 | Olympique de Marseille vs Le Havre AC, 5:15 PM | Ligue 1 Football |
| Sunday, November 1, 2026 | Olympique de Marseille vs Toulouse FC, 8:45 PM | Ligue 1 Football |
| Sunday, November 22, 2026 | Olympique de Marseille vs Le Mans FC, 8:45 PM | Ligue 1 Football |
| Thursday, November 26, 2026 | Olympique de Marseille vs Levski Sofia, 6:45 PM | European Football |
| Weekend of December 4-6, 2026 | Olympique de Marseille vs OGC Nice — exact date and time to be confirmed | Ligue 1 Football |
| Thursday, December 10, 2026 | Olympique de Marseille vs Celta Vigo, 6:45 PM | European Football |
Stade Velodrome Events 2027
| Day & Date | Event | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend of January 15-17, 2027 | Olympique de Marseille vs Lille OSC — exact date and time to be confirmed | Ligue 1 Football |
| Thursday, January 28, 2027 | Olympique de Marseille vs RSC Anderlecht, 9:00 PM | European Football |
| Weekend of January 29-31, 2027 | Olympique de Marseille vs ESTAC Troyes — exact date and time to be confirmed | Ligue 1 Football |
| Weekend of February 12-14, 2027 | Olympique de Marseille vs Angers SCO — exact date and time to be confirmed | Ligue 1 Football |
| Weekend of February 25-27, 2027 | Olympique de Marseille vs Stade Rennais — exact date and time to be confirmed | Ligue 1 Football |
| Weekend of March 12-14, 2027 | Olympique de Marseille vs AS Monaco — exact date and time to be confirmed | Ligue 1 Football |
| Weekend of March 19-21, 2027 | Olympique de Marseille vs Olympique Lyonnais — exact date and time to be confirmed | Ligue 1 Football |
| Weekend of April 9-11, 2027 | Olympique de Marseille vs Stade Brestois 29 — exact date and time to be confirmed | Ligue 1 Football |
| Saturday, April 17, 2027 | RC Toulon vs Stade Toulousain, 9:00 PM | Rugby — Top 14 |
| Weekend of April 23-25, 2027 | Olympique de Marseille vs AJ Auxerre — exact date and time to be confirmed | Ligue 1 Football |
| Weekend of May 14-16, 2027 | Olympique de Marseille vs RC Lens — exact date and time to be confirmed | Ligue 1 Football |
| Saturday, May 29, 2027 | Olympique de Marseille vs FC Lorient, 9:00 PM — time not final | Ligue 1 Football |
| Saturday, June 19, 2027 | GIMS — Concert, 8:00 PM | Concert / French Pop & Rap |
| August 1-September 30, 2027 | OM Stadium Tour — scheduled visit period | Stadium Tour |
