Venues of UEFA Euro 2016: Allianz Riviera, Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Stade Vélodrome

Today we will tell you all you need to know about the other five venues of the UEFA Euro 2016 in France.

Allianz Riviera (Nice) 

 

Allianz Riviera is a multi-use stadium in the city of Nice and home to the local football team OGC Nice. The stadium has a capacity of 35,624. During UEFA competitions, the stadium is referred to as Stade de Nice, because the insurance company Allianz is not an official partner of the UEFA. During the UEFA Euro 2016 it is scheduled to host four matches.

History: The stadium was planned to be built until the end of 2007 but these plans were waived due to concerns about future costs. With the official assignment of France as the host country of the UEFA Euro 2016 the plans were revived. Construction started in 2011 and the stadium was officially opened in 2013.

Name: The name is sponsored by the insurance company Allianz.

Changes for UEFA Euro 2016: The stadium was entirely built for the competition.

Stadium tours: Individual and group tours can be booked through the official website and cost € 10 for adults.

How to get there: Being located 10km from the city center and 5km from the international airport, Allianz Riviera is easily accessible by car. The motorway A8 runs right next to the stadium and exit 51 leads directly to the parking spots, exit 52 to the stadium.

TER Train                                                                                                St. Augustin
Chemins de Fer de Provence                                                                  Saint-Isodore
Bus                                                 9, 10, 95 (on matchdays only)          Allianz Riviera

Matches in Stade de Nice during UEFA Euro 2016:

12.06.      Group C                    Poland vs. North Ireland                                   18:00
17.06.      Group D                    Spain vs. Turkey                                               21:00
22.06.      Group E                    Sweden vs. Belgium                                         21:00
27.06.      Round of 16              Runnder-up Gr. B vs. Runner-up Gr. F             21:00

More information: 

http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/hosts/france/city=2344/stadium/index.html
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/hosts/france/city=2344/index.html
http://www.allianz-riviera.fr/

http://www.stadiumguide.com/allianz-riviera/
http://footballtripper.com/allianz-riviera-stadium-ogc-nice/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allianz_Riviera

Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux

Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux is a newly built football stadium in Bordeaux which is home to the local football team FC Girondins de Bordeaux. It can also be used for rugby matches. Because of a sponsorship deal the stadium is also known as Matmut Atlantique. Its capacity is 43,000 and it will host five matches during the UEFA Euro 2016. 

History: Construction of the stadium began in 2013 and the stadium was opened in 2015. The stadium was intended to be finished earlier but construction was delayed because of a lawsuit by local citizens.

Name:The stadium's name is sponsored by the French insurance company Matmut.

Changes for UEFA Euro 2016: The stadium was entirely built for the competition.

Stadium tours: A stadium tour can be booked through the official website.

How to get there: The stadium is located 6km in the north of the city center right next to the city's ring road. By taking exits 4, 4a or 4b towards Parc des Expositions many parking spots can be found.

Tram        C      Parc des Expositions
                B      Berges de la Garonne (additional 30min walk)

Matches in Stade de Nice during UEFA Euro 2016: 

11.06.     Group B                  Wales vs. Slovakia                                        18:00
14.06.     Group F                  Austria vs. Hungary                                       18:00
18.06.     Group E                  Belgium vs. Republic of Ireland                    15:00
21.06.     Group D                 Croatia vs. Spain                                            21:00
02.07.     Quarter Final          Winner Match 41 vs. Winner Match 43          21:00

More information: 

http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/hosts/france/city=1272/stadium/index.html
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/hosts/france/city=1272/index.html
http://www.matmut-atlantique.com/en
http://www.stadiumguide.com/stade-de-bordeaux/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nouveau_Stade_de_Bordeaux 
http://footballtripper.com/nouveau-stade-de-bordeaux-guide/

Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Lille)

Stade Pierre-Mauroy is a multifunctional stadium which can be used for concerts and sport events and is home to the local football team LOSC Lille Métropole. It has a capacity of 50,000 spectators and will host six matches of the UEFA Euro 2016.

History: Originally, LOSC Lille Métropole played at Stade Grimonprez-Jooris from 1975. However, when LOSC qualified for the UEFA Champions League in 2001 for the first time the stadium didn't meet the UEFA stadium requirements and thus Lille was forced to play its games in Lens. In 2008, the contracts for building a new stadium were signed, construction began in 2009 and the stadium was officially opened in 2012.

Name: The stadium was originally named Grand Stade Lille Métropole but renamed after Pierre Mauroy in 2013, a former Mayor of Lille and French Prime Minister.

Changes for UEFA Euro 2016: The stadium was entirely built for the competition.

Stadium tours: Stadium tours can be booked online and cost € 12. Further information are available through Email.

How to get there: The stadium is located in the suburb Villeneuve d'Ascq 6km south-east of Lille. The stadium is located next to the motorway N227 which is connected to the motorways A1 and A27 and can be accessed through exit 3. 

Metro          1            Cité Scientifique, 4 Cantons Grand Stade
Bus             18          Stade Pierre-Mauroy 

Matches in Stade de Nice during UEFA Euro 2016:

12.06.     Group C                Germany vs. Ukraine                                             21:00
15.06.     Group B                Russia vs. Slovakia                                                15:00
19.06.     Group A                Switzerland vs. France                                           21:00
22.06.     Group E                Italy vs. Republic of Ireland                                    21:00
26.06.     Round of 16          Winner Group C vs. 3rd place Group A/B/F          18:00
01.07.     Quarter-final          Winner Match 38 vs. Winner Match 42                 21:00

More information: 

http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/hosts/france/city=2084/stadium/index.html
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/hosts/france/city=2084/index.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stade_Pierre-Mauroy
http://www.stadiumguide.com/grandstadelille/
http://www.stade-pierre-mauroy.com/

Parc Olympique Lyonnais 

Parc Olympique Lyonnais is the football stadium of Olympique Lyonnais with a capacity of 59,186 and is scheduled to host six games of the UEFA Euro 2016.

History: Before playing at the new stadium, the local team Olympique Lyonnais played their home games at Stade de Gerland. After France was selected as host country of the UEFA Euro 2016 Jean-Michel Aulas, president of Olympique Lyonnais, announced in 2008 plans of building a new stadium. Construction of the stadium began in 2012 and it was opened at the beginning of 2016. Next to the stadium the site includes further sport facilities, two hotels, a leisure center and commercial offices. Total construction costs are estimated to be € 415 million.

Name: The name was chosen because of the local football team Olympique Lyonnais.

Changes for UEFA Euro 2016: The stadium was entirely built for the competition.

Stadium tours: Stadium tours cost € 9 and can be booked through the website.

How to get there: Parc Olympique Lyonnais is located in the suburb Décines-Charpieu 10km east of the city center. Because it is located right next to the motorway N346 it is easily accessible by car.

Tram       3         Parc Olympique Lyonnais

Matches in Stade de Nice during UEFA Euro 2016:

13.06.     Group E              Belgium vs. Italy                                                     21:00
16.06.     Group C              Ukraine vs. Northern Ireland                                 18:00
19.06.     Group A              Romania vs. Albania                                              21:00
22.06.     Group F              Hungary vs. Portugal                                             18:00
26.06.     Round of 16        Winner Group A vs. 3rd place Gr. C/D/E               15:00
06.07.     Semi-final           Winner Match 45 vs. Winner Match 46                   21:00

More information: 

http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/hosts/france/city=2156/stadium/index.html
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/hosts/france/city=2156/index.html
http://www.parc-ol.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parc_Olympique_Lyonnais
http://www.stadiumguide.com/grandstadeol/

Stade Vélodrome (Marseille)

Stade Vélodrome is home to the Marseillian football team Olympique de Marseille. With a capacity of 67,344 it is the largest club football stadium in France. Next to football also rugby matches are played in the stadium. During the UEFA Euro 2016 it is scheduled to host six matches.

History: Stade Vélodrome was originally built in 1935 for the 1938 FIFA World Cup at which it hosted the final and opened in 1937. The first major renovation took place in 1970, when its capacity was increased to roughly 50,000 and the existing running track was removed. Afterwards, it was also renovated for the 1984 European Football Championship before it got almost rebuilt for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, increasing its capacity to roughly 60,000.

Name: The name Vélodrome refers to the cycling track the stadium originally had.

Changes for UEFA Euro 2016: In preparation for the tournament, the stadiums' capacity was increased by 7,000 and a roof was added to all stands. Also, the two main stands were almost completely renovated. Overall costs are estimated to be € 267 million. Renovation was completed in 2014.

Stadium tours: Stadium tours are organized by the tourist office of Marseille, cost € 13 and can either be booked online, through Email or phone +33 (0) 86 09 50 34.

How to get there: Stade Vélodrome is located in the south of Marseille, about 3.5km from the city center. Because it is located within an urban area with no direct motorway access it is easiest to get to the stadium by public transportation.

Metro       2           Rond-Point du Prado, Sainte Marguerite Dromel

Matches in Stade de Nice during UEFA Euro 2016:

11.06.     Group B              England vs. Russia                                        21:00
15.06.     Group A              France vs. Albania                                         21:00
18.06.     Group F              Iceland vs. Hungary                                       18:00
21.06.     Group C              Ukraine vs. Poland                                        21:00
30.06.     Quarter-final       Winner Match 37 vs. Winner Match 39          21:00
07.07.     Semi-final           Winner Match 47 vs. Winner Match 48          21:00

More information: 

 

http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/hosts/france/city=2201/stadium/index.html
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/hosts/france/city=2201/index.html
http://www.stadiumguide.com/velodrome/ 
http://www.lenouveaustadevelodrome.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stade_V%C3%A9lodrome

Venues of UEFA Euro 2016: Stade de France, Parc des Princes, Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Stade Geoffroy-Guichard and Stadium Municipal

Today we will give you all the necessary information about five of the ten venues of the UEFA Euro 2016 in France.

Stade de France (Saint-Denis)

With 80,000 seats Stade de France is the largest venue of the UEFA Euro 2016. With seven games overall, including the opening match of France vs. Romania as well as the final, it is also the most utilized stadium. The stadium is located in Saint-Denis, a suburb 9.4 km in the north of Paris.

History: Stade de France was constructed after France was named the host country of the FIFA World Cup in 1998. Construction began on September 1995 and was completed within 31 months. Total costs of construction were approximately € 290 million.

Name: The stadium got its current name during the construction after the Ministry of Sport launched a competition at the end of 1995. The proposal of Stade de France was made from the French football legend and current UEFA president Michel Platini.

Changes for EUFA Euro 2016: None

Stadium tours: A stadium tour costs € 15 an can be booked either by phone +33 (0) 892 700 900 or through the website.

How to get there: Stade de Frace was built with a limited number of parking spaces. Hence it is advisable to visit the stadium by using public transport. 

Metro:         Line 13                                                           Saint-Denis – Porte de Paris
RER           B                                                                     La Plaine – Stade de France
                   D                                                                    Stade de France – Saint-Denis
RATP         139, 153, 173, 239, 253                                  La Plaine – Stade de France
                  153, 154, 168, 170, 239, 253 – 256, 268        Saint-Denis – Porte de Paris

Matches in Stade de France during EUFA Euro 2016:

10.06.      Group A             France vs. Romania                                       21:00

13.06.      Group E             Republic of Ireland vs. Sweden                     18:00

16.06.      Group C             Germany vs. Poland                                      21:00

22.06.      Group F             Iceland vs. Austria                                         18:00

27.06.      Round of 16       Winner Gr. E vs. Runner-up Gr. D                 18:00

3.07.        Quartel Final      Winner Match 40 vs. Winner Match 44          21:00

10.07.      Final                   Winner Match 49 vs. Winner Match 50          21:00

Further information:

http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/news/newsid=2319428.html

http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/hosts/france/city=50000003/index.html

http://www.stadiumguide.com/stadedefrance/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stade_de_France

http://www.stadefrance.com/fr/billetterie?visites

Parc des Princes (Paris)

Parc des Princes is a football stadium in the southwest of Paris and since 1973 home of the football club Paris Saint-Germain F.C. With 45,000 seats, the stadium is the fourth largest in France and will host five matches during the EUFA Euro 2016.

History: Parc des Princes was officially opened in 1972 and served as the home of the French national football and rugby team before Stade de France was built. The site has a bright history, as its natural appearance was used for relaxation and hunting in the 18^th century by French kings. The first sports venue was opened in 1897 and hosted football, rugby, athletics and cycling events. From 1903 until 1967 it also served as the finish line of the Tour de France.

Name: the name appeared first during road construction in 1855 by combining the terms “Route des Princes” and “Porte des Princes” which were used before.

Changes for EUFA Euro 2016: Addition of 2 seating rows, exchange of all seats, replacement of substitute benches, renovated changing rooms, new information screes, wifi for everyone, among more.  

Stadium tours: Currently suspended due to renovations.

How to get there: Being built close to the Parisian ring road, the stadium is easily accessible with car. Coming from the northern section one must take the exit toward Boulogne. If coming from the southern section it is exit D910/Boulogne in the tunnel. From there on, one must turn onto Avenue de la Porte de Saind-Cloud and then the next right into Rue du Commandant Guilbaud. 

Metro     Line 9             Porte de Saint-Cloud
              Line 10           Porte d’Auteuil
Bus        22, 62, 72       Porte de Saint-Cloud
              32, 52             Porte d’Auteuil

Matches in Parc des Princes during EUFA Euro 2016:

12.06.     Group D               Turkey vs. Croatia                                              15:00

15.06.     Group A                Romania vs. Switzerland                                   18:00

18.06.     Group F                Portugal vs. Austria                                            21:00

21.06.      Group C              Northern Ireland vs. Germany                            18:00

25.06.      Round of 16        Winner Group B vs. 3^rd place group A/C/D        18:00

Further information:

http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/hosts/france/city=2470/stadium/index.html

http://www.stadiumguide.com/parcdesprinces/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parc_des_Princes

http://www.psg.fr/en/Club/603002/Renovation

http://en.parisinfo.com/paris-museum-monument/71529/Parc-des-Princes

Stade Bollaert-Delelis (Lens)

Stade Bollaert-Delelis is the largest stadium in Lens with a capacity of 35,000, which is roughly 3,000 more than the number of citizens. It will host four games during the UEFA Euro 2016. 
 

History: The stadium was originally opened in 1933, as it was built by unemployed miners and had an oval shape. Its shape was changed to a rectangular form during the construction of the first of the four stand in 1976. In the past, the stadium has been renovated for the UEFA Euro1984 and the FIFA World Cup 1998.

Name: Originally named after Félix Bollaert, a director of Compagnie des Mines de Lens, who promoted the development of sports clubs in Lens and died shortly before the original opening. It was renamed in 2012 adding the name of André Delelis, a former Minister of Commerce who had died in the same year.

Changes for EUFA Euro 2016: Increasing the number of seats by 6,000, expansion of the roof to protect more people, installation of a rain-recovery system, addition of solar panels for roughly € 70 million. 
 

Stadium tours: not available.

How to get there: Stade Bollaert-Delelis is located in the city center of Lens, 1km north-west of the central railway station. A walk from there takes roughly 15 minutes. 

Matches in Stade Bollaert-Delelis during UEFA Euro 2016:
11.06.      Group A           Albania vs. Switzerland                                       15:00

16.06.      Group B           England vs. Wales                                              15:00

21.06.      Group D           Czech Republic vs. Turkey                                 21:00

25.06.      Round of 16     Winnder Group D vs. 3^rd place groups B/E/F     21:00

Further information:

http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/hosts/france/city=2065/stadium/index.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stade_Bollaert-Delelis

http://www.stadiumguide.com/stadebollaertdelelis/

http://www.tourism-lenslievin.co.uk/themes/thepassionofsport.aspx

http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/hosts/france/city=2065/index.html

Stade Geoffroy-Guichard (Saint-Étienne)

 

Stade Geoffroy-Guichard is a stadium in Saint-Ètienne which is mainly used for football matches but also for other events like rugby matches. The stadium has 42,000 seats and will host four games of the UEFA Euro 2016.

History: The stadium was originally opened in 1931 and had a capacity of 1,800. It reached its largest capacity of 48,274 after a renovation for the UEFA Euro 1984, including 22,200 seated spaces. Because for the FIFA World Cup 1998 only seated places were allowed, it was renovated again, resulting in a capacity of 35,616.

Name: Named after Geoffroy Guichard who was the founder of the Casino retail group and purchased the site on which the stadium was built.

Changes for EUFA Euro 2016: After plans of building a new stadium have failed due to the opposition of supporters from the local team AS Saint-Étienne, a renovation of the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard was decided, including increases in capacity as well as adding a panoramic restaurant and a VIP area. 

Stadium tours: not available.

How to get there: Stade Geoffroy-Guichard is located 2km in the north of a city center. Walking there from the main railway station takes roughly 30 minutes. By car, one should take motorway A72 and take exit 13 Montreynaud/Technopole and go in the direction of the city center. Turn right in Rue Camille de Rochetaillée after about 1km and again right in Rue Paul et Pierre Guichard after a couple of hundred meters.

Tram     1, 2            G. Guichard
Bus        9               Le Marais 

Matches in Stade Geoffroy-Guichard during EUFA Euro 2016:

14.06.      Group F                  Portugal vs. Iceland                                        21:00

17.06.      Group D                  Czech Republic vs. Croatia                            18:00

20.06.      Group B                  Slovakia vs. England                                       21:00

25.06.      Round of 16            Runner-up Gr. A vs. runner-up Gr. C              15:00

Further information:

http://www.stadiumguide.com/geoffroyguichard/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stade_Geoffroy-Guichard

http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/hosts/france/city=2673/stadium/index.html

http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/hosts/france/city=2673/index.html

http://saint-etiennetourisme.com/?lang=en

Stadium municipal (Toulouse)

 

Located on the island Ramier near the city enter of Toulouse, Stadium Municipal has a capacity of 33,000 and is the largest football and rugby stadium of the city. During the UEFA Euro 2016 it will host four games. 
 

History: Stadium Municipal was originally opened in 1937 for the 1938 FIFA World Cup. Extensive rennovations of the past included those in 1949 as well as in 1997 for the FIFA World Cup 1998. Due to an explosion of a chemical factory nearby in 2011 the stadium was damaged and needed reparation.

Name: Stadium of the city of Toulouse.

Changes for EUFA Euro 2016: Capacity increase by 5,000 and renovation of the existing seating.

Stadium tours: not available.

How to get there: The stadium is located about 3km from the city center. Even though the city has a ring road making it easy to get around, there are no parking spaces available near the stadium. Hence, the use of public transport is recommended.
 

Metro      A           Esquirol
               B           Empalot, Saint Michel-Marcel Langer
Tram                     Croix de Pierre
Bus         12          Basso Cambo
               38          Eastern bank of the river

Matches in Stadium Municipal during EUFA Euro 2016:

13.06.      Group D             Spain vs. Czech Republic                              15:00

17.06.      Group E             Italy vs. Sweden                                             15:00

20.06.      Group B             Russia vs. Wales                                            21:00

26.06.      Round of 16       Winner Group F vs. runner-up Gr. E              21:00

Further information:

http://footballtripper.com/stade-municipal-toulouse-guide/

http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/hosts/france/city%3D2972/stadium/index.html

http://www.stadiumguide.com/stadiumdetoulouse/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stadium_Municipal

http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/hosts/france/city%3D2972/index.html#transports