35 Iconic Sports Arenas in the Heart of Famous Cities

27. Stade Vélodrome: Marseille’s Mediterranean Cauldron

Stade Vélodrome isn’t just the largest stadium in France outside Paris—it’s the most atmospheric. With a curved roof that funnels noise toward the pitch, it’s a fortress for Olympique de Marseille and a nightmare for opponents. Originally built in 1937 and revamped for Euro 2016, the stadium merges old-school grit with modern elegance. Its location near the Mediterranean adds a coastal magic to night matches, where flares, chants, and tension define the game. From World Cups to rugby clashes, it’s more than a stadium—it’s Marseille’s volcanic heartbeat.