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 its inspiring architecture and landmarks such as the MuCEM and the Vieux-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 everyone in Marseille lives by the club’s rhythm. For example, a Monday on the Vieux-Port will not be the same, depending on how OM performs over the weekend. This phenomenon is unique in France, which is why going to see a match at the Vélodrome is worth the detour.
Are you ready? Are you ready to see the fans in the stands 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
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, now 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 given that the club’s fan base extends far beyond the borders of Provence.
>> Read also: Visiting Marseille: the 11 things to do when visiting the first time
How do I get to the Orange Vélodrome?
Which matches should I choose?
Tickets are available for all Olympique de Marseille matches. This is due to the stadium’s large capacity. However, depending on your wallet, your choice of match will be different. 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.
For a great atmosphere too, but if your don’t want to spend too much money, then slightly less important fixtures such as OM-Bordeaux or OM-Saint Étienne will be of interest.
If budget is your main criterion, smaller matches against lower-ranked teams in the league or cup matches are the best suited to your criteria.
Which stand 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 tribune is frequented by regulars, making 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 southern section of the stadium. It is home to two fan groups: Commando Ultras 84 and the South Winners. The stand is not open to single-seaters, except for national cup matches.
- Virage Patrice-de-Peretti: this is the northern section. It is home to several fan groups: MTP, Fanatics, Dodger’s and CAOM. This section is also not open to single-seaters.
How much does a ticket to a match at the Orange Vélodrome cost?
Major league and Champions League matches
For major matches, such as European fixtures, the Classique against Paris Saint-Germain or matches against Olympique Lyonnais, tickets cost a minimum of €80.
Less important league fixtures
For intermediate 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
Last but not least, tickets for national cup matches and Europa League group matches often start at €15. However, the stadium is not guaranteed to be full, and you won’t enjoy the best atmosphere. Beware: if OM play Paris or Lyon in the domestic cup, ticket prices will rise significantly.
How can I buy tickets for a match at the Orange Vélodrome?
On line
You can buy tickets online for all OM matches. Online sales take place on the official Olympique de Marseille website.
At 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.
The OM Tour
Since the beginning of 2020, it has been possible to visit the Orange Vélodrome and its backstage areas. You can visit the changing rooms, dressing rooms, pitch and press conference room. But above all, you can admire the Champions League trophy.
The tour is open every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday:
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from September 1 to May 31,
- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from June 1 to August 31.
Tickets can be booked online or on site. Here’s the price list:
- Adult ticket: €18 on free days, €35 on match days,
- Under-6s: 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: take line 40, get off at Baie des Anges and walk to the end of the line.
- By metro: two stations on line 2 serve the stadium, Sainte-Marguerite Dromel and Rond-Point du Prado.
- By car: if it’s impossible or almost impossible to park close to the stadium, you can get as close as possible and then use another means of transport.
- By train: when you arrive at the Marseille- St Charles SNCF station, take the metro as well.
🚆 Check Train Schedules & Prices
Where can I park near the Orange Vélodrome?
It’s almost impossible to find a parking space near the Velodrome. We therefore advise you to park close to metro stations such as Joliette and finish your journey by metro.
Where to eat around the Orange Véldrome?
It’s easy enough to find something to eat near the stadium. The Prado Shopping Centre closes in on the stadium and boasts 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 Vélodrome?
The stadium has the advantage of being located in the city. So there are plenty of places to stay not far from the Vel’. Note that the AC Hotel by Mariott is located right next to the south virage.
🔗 Read Also: Where to stay in Marseille?
