Orange Vélodrome

The Orange Vélodrome, located in Marseille, is one of the most iconic and beloved stadiums in France, not only for its sporting history but also for its cultural and social significance. Inaugurated on June 13, 1937, it is mainly known as the home of Olympique de Marseille, one of the most prestigious football clubs in the country. Its original name, Vélodrome, comes from the presence of a cycling track, but over the years it has undergone numerous renovations and name changes, eventually becoming the Orange Vélodrome in 2016 thanks to a sponsorship agreement with the telecommunications operator Orange. The history of the Orange Vélodrome is closely linked to the sporting events of the city of Marseille. Originally designed to host cycling competitions, the stadium quickly became a reference point for football, hosting memorable matches featuring some of the world’s best footballers. With a current capacity of around 67,000 spectators, it is the second largest stadium in France after the Stade de France. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Orange Vélodrome is its architecture, which has undergone numerous renovation interventions. The first major renovation took place during the 1998 FIFA World Cup, when the stadium’s capacity was expanded and a new roof was built. More recently, in preparation for the 2016 UEFA European Championship, the stadium was further modernized with a white undulating roof that gives it a futuristic and iconic appearance, visible from much of the city. A curious anecdote concerns the stadium’s nickname, “Le Chaudron” (the cauldron), which reflects the intensity and warmth of the Marseille supporters. During a 2004 UEFA Cup match against Newcastle United, the noise produced by the fans reached such a level that it was recorded as one of the highest ever measured in a football stadium, a tangible sign of the passion and energy that characterize evenings at the Vélodrome. The political significance of the stadium should not be underestimated. The Orange Vélodrome has often hosted important events involving prominent political figures. Furthermore, the management and financing of the stadium have been the subject of public debate, especially in relation to the costs of renovations and sponsorship agreements. These aspects reflect the complex relationship between sport, economy, and politics in the management of sports facilities. From an architectural point of view, the 2016 renovation represented a significant engineering challenge. The new roof, designed to withstand the strong winds of the region and improve the stadium’s acoustics, was built using cutting-edge technologies. This intervention transformed the Orange Vélodrome into one of the most modern and functional stadiums in Europe, capable of hosting world-class events under optimal conditions.