2 Venues and Legacy 2 29. Stade Velodrome - Marseille 30. Stadium de Toulouse The Stade Velodrome is a legendary sports venue on the Mediterranean coast and A regular host for international sports events held in France, the Stadium de Toulouse the second largest stadium in France. It has been recently renovated to deliver the recently underwent a complete renovation to offers outstanding experiences to highest international standards in technology, comfort and services. spectators. 67,000 3h10 by train 33,000 3h by train (2023) I The venue based on the latest innovative grass technology. The Stadium de Toulouse will host Football competitions Toulouse is a city in southwestern France, near the for the Olympic Games. Pyrenees, in the Midi-Pyrenees region, half way between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean seas. Settled on the Garonne River, Toulouse inherited its I Location nickname “La Ville Rose” (the pink city) from its typical pseudo-Roman Style streets and red brick buildings. The Stadium de Toulouse is located 4 km south of the The warm climate, famous gastronomy, significant city centre of Toulouse, in the south of France. Toulouse student population and friendly residents give Toulouse can be reached from Paris by plane (1h10) through an inviting ambience. Toulouse-Blagnac Airport situated approximately Constructed in 1937 on designs by architect Jean 7 km northwest of the city centre or rail (4:30). The Montariol, the Stadium de Toulouse sits on a privileged venue is accessible by car via the Toulouse ring road. island location on the Garonne River. The stadium In addition, it benefits from regular bus service as well reopened in 2016 following a complete renovation as multiple rail connections through Metro line B and that provided a number of necessary upgrade and Tramway line 1. maintenance works. I The venue The Stade Velodrome will host Football competitions I Experience for the Olympic Games. The project, led by the architectural firm Cardete Marseille is located on the Mediterranean coast of Huet / Pierre Ferret, included the improvement of The Stadium de Toulouse has hosted a number of France. It boasts a multicultural character and a long sightlines by redesigning the stands to provide extra international events, including FIFA World Cup 1938, history as a major trade centre since its founding I Location comfort and a maximum of 33,000 spectators under FIFA World Cup 1998 and IRB Rugby World Cup 2007. in 600 B.C. by Greek settlers. It is today France's its roof. The replacement of the turf and improvements The Stadium de Toulouse will host matches of the second largest city, its largest commercial port as well The Stade Velodrome is located 4 km south of the city in the security and technology infrastructure were also UEFA European Championships in 2016. as a leading cruise port and freight port. Marseille centre of Marseille and 3 km from the Marina (Sailing completed. The renovated pitch is natural grass and has been appointed the 2013 European Capital of venue) on the Mediterranean coast of France. Marseille Culture and the 2017 European Capital of Sport, can be reached from Paris by plane (1h15) or rail recognising its commitments toward the role of sport (3h00). The venue is easily accessible either by car via in the improvement of quality of life, physical and highways A7 and A55. It also benefits from regular bus psychological health and integration of a diversity of service and connections to the main train station via social groups. line 2 of the Marseille Metro. The Stade Velodrome was constructed in 1937. The I Experience venue underwent its most recent renovation in 2014. The latest enhancements included the installation of a Throughout its storied history, the Stade Velodrome has modern roof, new VIP suites, modern media facilities, hosted a number of international events,including FIFA and the expansion of seating capacity to 67,000 World Cup 1938, UEFA European Championships 1984, spectators. It is now the second largest stadium in FIFA World Cup 1998 and IRB Rugby World Cup 2007. France. Future large-scale events at the venue include UEFA Despite its size, the venue benefits from an exemplary European Championships 2016 and FIFA Women’s environmental design, thanks to innovations such as World Cup 2019. recovering heat from a nearby water treatment plant that reduces heating needs by half, and the capability to recycle rainwater from the roof for irrigation purposes. 48 - PARIS 2024 PARIS 2024 - 49