Stade Velodrome Sports Fan Tips
Stade Velodrome is a venue in or near Marseille that is most often used for Soccer
How do I get to Stade Velodrome?
Marseilles excellent transport network make it very easy to get to the stadium, even if the Stade Velodrome is a bit outside of town. When you arrive into the city by train – you can stay in the Saint Charles station and from there jump on the Number 2 line heading south and ride it all the way to either Rond-Point du Prado or Sainte-Marguerite Dromel. The stadium lies in the middle of these two stations and is 5 minute walk from both.A taxi to the ground will cost nearly €20 so it really is worth taking public transport. If you are driving yourself then there is some public parking near the ground that will cost no more than a few euro.
Best Food and Drink at Stade Velodrome?
For a brand new stadium you would expect that the Stade Velodrome would have some adequate dining options – guess what, it does! Although there aren't big windows full of food like in other stadiums, there is something in the concourses for everyone. French Fries – either on their own or in a sandwich, delicious salads and wraps. There are Panini, Pizza and Hot Dog kiosks also. All offering 'a la carte' meals or package deals with drinks discounts.
Things to check out around Stade Velodrome?
High above Marseille stands the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde church and is really worth the climb to see it. Not only is it a magnificent church but the panorama of the city and the harbour that it offers is breath-taking. It is also home to La Bonne Mere – the gold statue that is the so called protector of Marseille.Film buffs will recognise the Château d'If on an island off the coast of the city. France's old version of Alcatraz was home to the Man in the Iron Mask as well as the fictional Count of Monte Cristo and is worth making a visit to.Otherwise the National Park of Calanques. The first national park in France to feature both land and sea is home to lots of protected wildlife and is simply beautiful.
Best Bars around Stade Velodrome?
Your pre-match experience can be whatever you want it to be. Sink a few pints with the local L'OM faithful or join fellow expats in the city itself.If you want to mix it with the locals – head to the stadium before kick-off and wander into Le Fair Play. The OM bar is thronging before a game day and you will be very lucky to get a spot on the terrace. If this place is way too busy, then go across the street to the equally as passionate Brassiere du Stade – pictures of OM's former glory days hang all over the walls.Otherwise there are some popular sports themed pubs in the city centre with an Expat theme to it. The Black Unicorn is popular with locals and tourists so you'll bound to be able to strike up conversation. O'Bradys Irish pub is another decent alternative.
What to expect from the Stade Velodrome crowd?
The fans of OM are renowned around France for having immensely passionate feelings towards their club! While the rest of the South of France gravitates slightly towards Rugby, Marseille is all about football. With the hardcore Ultra's taking their places behind both the North and South Stands, they generate a cacophony of noise that resonates round the Stade Velodrome! Don't be surprised to be lots of banners and the odd flare or two during a match!
Stade Velodrome seating?
Although the stadium has been built in the ultra-modern bowl format, it still retains the traditional air of having 4 stands. As you would expect in a brand new stadium all the seats are fantastic with good comfort levels, great legroom and unreal sight lines to the pitch. The phrases 'not a bad seat in the house' has never been more apt. As tradition dictates, the ultras are to be found in the Virage North and South stands behind their respective goals. The visiting supporters are given a lower tier view of the pitch in the North East corner.Surprisingly as the stadium has a capacity of 67,000, tickets a relatively tough to come by and will cost you anywhere between €30-70 dependent on where you want to sit.
Best restaurants near Stade Velodrome?
If Marseille is famous for anything it is the Bouillabaisse – a delicious Fish soup with tomatoes, saffon at a multitude of rockfish, attracts people from all over the country. If you can get a table make sure you have dinner at Chez Fonfon, regarded has having the best Bouillabaisse in town!Le Café Des Epices has a clue to its food in the name. Here they take your typical Mediterranean food and give it a fiery Caribbean kick! The restaurant itself is very laidback and has a basic decoration but the food really does the talking here.Chez Madie Les Galinettes is a cracking restaurant and if you can, try and get a seat on the terrace. It does both fish and meat really well, and you can have a full dinner menu for under €25! Try the Daube Beef in wine!
Best Insider tip at Stade Velodrome?
Why not take a tour of this brand new stadium whilst you are in the area. See where all the interviews take place, where decisions are made and where the players get changed before psyching yourself up and walking down the tunnel. Imagine you are strutting out on a gameday for OM and imagine the roar of the crowd. For just €10 a ticket, it's something you can't afford to miss out on.