Visiting the Cité Phocéenne? Want to do something like a local? Go and see the OM play at the Orange Vélodrome
Marseille is a major Mediterranean port. The city’s unique atmosphere is one of its main attractions. Add to this the city’s inspiring architecture and landmarks such as the MuCEM and the Old Port, and you have a tourist mecca. But how can you talk about Marseille without mentioning soccer? After all, the city is quite simply the capital of French soccer. The reason? The presence of France’s most popular club: Olympique de Marseille.
Almost all Marseillais live by the club’s rhythm. For example, a Monday on the Vieux-Port will not be the same depending on OM’s results over the weekend. This phenomenon is unique in France, which is why going to see a match at the Vélodrome is well worth the detour.
What do you think? Are you ready to see the turns set the stadium alight? Here’s everything you need to know about attending an Olympique de Marseille match at the Orange Vélodrome!
History of Olympique de Marseille
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Olympique de Marseille was founded in August 1899 by René Dufaure de Montmirail. The club is also known as l’OM or les Olympiens. The club boasts France’s most impressive trophy cabinet, with 9 French championships, 10 French Cups and 3 League Cups. But OM’s greatest trophy is the Champions League, won in 1993. The only one in the history of French soccer.
Although OM began playing at the Stade de l’Huveaune, since 1937 the team has been playing at the Stade Vélodrome, recently renamed the Orange Vélodrome. The stadium has been renovated four times, in 1971, 1983, 1998 and 2014. The Vel now has a capacity of 67,000. It’s the biggest club stadium in France, which comes as no surprise since the club’s fan base extends far beyond the borders of Provence.
How do I get to a match at the Orange Vélodrome?
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Which matches to choose?
Tickets are available for all Olympique de Marseille matches. This is due to the stadium’s large capacity. However, the choice of match will depend on your wallet. If you prefer the atmosphere and the stakes, a big match such as OM-PSG or OM-OL, or Champions League matches, will be just what you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for a great atmosphere without spending too much money, you’ll be interested in less important fixtures such as OM-Bordeaux or OM-Saint Étienne.
If budget is your main criterion, small fixtures against teams at the bottom of the league table, or cup matches, are best suited to your criteria.
Which forum to choose?
Here are the four stands at the Orange Vélodrome:
- Tribune Gustave-Ganay: the first side stand, it’s the best value for money. What’s more, the stand is frequented by regulars, which makes for an interesting immersion experience.
- Tribune Jean-Bouin: this is the stand containing the boxes and the presidential stand. Prices are slightly higher than in Ganay. We recommend it for photography enthusiasts, who will be able to take photos of the three most fervent stands.
- Virage Chevalier-Roze: this is the stadium’s southern section. There are two fan groups here: Commando Ultras 84 and South Winners. The stand is not open to single-seaters, except for national cup matches.
- Virage Patrice-de-Peretti: this is the northern corner. There are several fan groups here: the MTPs, the Fanatics, the Dodger’s and the CAOM. This section is also not open to single-seaters.
How much does a ticket to a match at the Orange Vélodrome cost?
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Major league and Champions League matches
For the big matches, such as the major European fixtures, the Classic against Paris Saint-Germain or the confrontations with Olympique Lyonnais, you’ll need to spend a minimum of €80 to get a ticket.
Less important championship fixtures
Standard tickets start at €40. However, OM regularly offers special prices for families (buy one, get one free) and students (tickets from €15). However, these offers are limited, as they are only valid in specific areas.
For cup matches
Finally, national cup matches and Europa League group matches very often start at €15, in large quantities. However, the stadium is not guaranteed to be full, and you won’t enjoy the best atmosphere. Beware: if OM plays Paris or Lyon in the domestic cup, ticket prices will rise significantly.
How can I buy tickets for a match at the Orange Vélodrome?
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On line
You can buy tickets online for all OM matches. Online sales take place on the official Olympique de Marseille website.
In a sales outlet
If you live near Marseille, you can buy your tickets directly from the Orange Vélodrome ticket office. On match nights, if the stadium is not sold out, you can buy tickets directly from the box office. Please note, however, that you won’t have a wide choice of seats or prices.
OM Tour
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Since the beginning of 2020, it has been possible to visit the Orange Vélodrome behind the scenes. You can visit the changing rooms, dressing rooms, pitch and press conference room. But above all, you’ll be able to admire the Champions League trophy.
The tour is open every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday:
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 1 to May 31,
- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 1 to August 31.
Tickets can be booked online or on site. Here is the price list:
- Adult ticket: €18 on free days, €35 on match days,
- Ticket under 6: free on free days, €28 on match days.
How do I get to the Orange Vélodrome?
There are several ways to get to the Orange Vélodrome:
- By bus: thanks to line 40, get off at Baie des Anges and finish on foot.
- By metro: two line 2 stations serve the stadium, Sainte-Marguerite Dromel and Rond-Point du Prado.
- By car: if it’s impossible or almost impossible to park nearby, you can get as close as possible and then finish off with another means of transport.
- By train: when you arrive at the Marseille- St Charles SNCF station, take the metro as well.
Where can I park near the Orange Velodrome?
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It’s almost impossible to find a parking space near the Velodrome. We therefore advise you to park near metro stations such as Joliette and finish your journey by metro.
Where to eat around the Orange Véldrome?
Eating out near the stadium is fairly straightforward. The Prado Shopping Centre is right next to the stadium, with restaurants such as Big Fernand and Mavrommatis.
A McDonald’ s is also close to the stadium, on boulevard Schloesing. A bakery and snack bar can also be found nearby. On match nights, food-trucks are set up near the forecourt.
Where to stay near the Orange Velodrome?
The stadium has the advantage of being located in the city. So there are plenty of places to stay not far from Le Vel’. TheAC Hotel by Mariott is located right next to the South Bend.