Vélodrome Stadium
What would the city of Marseille be without its favorite club, which no self-respecting supporter would ever miss a match of under any circumstances! Over the years, OM has become a separate entity for the city's inhabitants, a club that inspires dreams and unites everyone towards a single goal: "Going straight to the goal!". After visiting Marseille and the Orange Vélodrome stadium, the Olympique de Marseille Club will no longer be a secret for you. And one thing is for sure: once you enter the Phocaean city, you will only hear about it!
OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE : FROM ITS BEGINNINGS TO TODAY
The story of an elite
Olympique de Marseille is THE football club par excellence! Founded in 1899 by René Dufaure de Montmirail, the first national trophies arrived in the 1920s with several Coupe de France victories. But the club didn't stop there! Although during World War II, the Stade Vélodrome was requisitioned by the army, the club continued its ascent. However, in 1959, the club was relegated for the first time in its history to the second division. It would return to Ligue 1 three years later. Olympique de Marseille gradually climbed back up, eventually winning the UEFA Champions League as well as the Coupe de France!
The 1980s marked the return of Marseille to Ligue 2. The club then experienced its darkest years. The arrival of businessman Bernard Tapie at the helm of the club in 1986 signaled the renaissance of this iconic club. OM would then rack up trophies and establish itself among the best French and European teams. In 1993, the club won the French championship. But due to a corruption scandal, the club once again found itself relegated to the second league.
From then on, OM would ceaselessly climb back up to regain all its glory.
Today, OM is a source of pride for the entire city, boasting no less than 9 professional French championship titles, 3 Coupe de la Ligue, 10 Coupe de France, 3 Trophées des champions, and a UEFA Champions League, making it the most titled football club in France.
The Identity of Olympique de Marseille
The OM logo has undergone various changes over the club's evolution before becoming the one we know since 2004. It now features the letters O & M, blended in Pantone blue, under a golden star symbolizing the club's victory in the UEFA Champions League. The iconic motto of OM: DROIT AU BUT (Straight to the Goal), is added below.
OM's infrastructure
The orange Vélodrome stadium
Visiting Marseille without stopping by the Orange Vélodrome would be a shame, especially for football fans. Inaugurated in 1937 in the 8th arrondissement of Marseille, this sports venue is considered the second largest stadium in France in terms of seating capacity. The stadium underwent several extensions during the 20th century, reaching a total of 60,000 seats in 1998.
The Vélodrome underwent further renovations, the most significant being in 2014 in preparation for Euro 2016, which gave rise to the new Vélodrome stadium. This time, the stadium is fully covered against inclement weather, with an increased seating capacity of 7,000 seats. Moreover, it doesn't only host football matches; it's also used for rugby matches, concerts, and some sporting events.
Keep in mind that a tour of the Vélodrome Stadium is possible. You can explore the stadium's backstage areas, private boxes, players' locker rooms, press room, and panoramic lounges. Of course, you can immortalize your visit by exiting through the players' tunnel and accessing the field. For this, head to 3 Boulevard Michelet, and get your ticket directly from the stadium's ticket office or through the online ticketing system. And why not attend a football match? The atmosphere in this legendary stadium is incredible and unique! It's one of the must-sees in Marseille!
Official OM stores
Do you want to take home a souvenir? The team scarf, of course! There's nothing better than the OM stores to find your little piece of happiness. There are 4 official OM stores in Marseille, including the iconic Museum-shop located at the Vélodrome stadium, and three other stores located on Rue Saint-Ferréol, Canebière, and La Valentine. A 5th store opened in Vitrolles near Marseille in 2010, and a 6th one in the Plan de Campagne area in 2011. With all these choices, you won't have any excuses not to go and maybe bring back a football jersey as a souvenir of your vacation in Marseille!
New developments around the grand orange Vélodrome stadium
The city of Marseille opened a new impressive-looking shopping center called Prado at the beginning of 2018. Organized around a central space comprising 5 floors over a total area of 23,000 m², it will delight shopping fans. With 50 upscale shops and the return of the grand Galeries Lafayette department store, this new building will complement the Vélodrome stadium extension project with a direct entrance planned from the sports facility.
The Vélodrome is one of the most visited tourist sites. Around it, you can enjoy Marseille's bars to extend the match!
