Palace on tour: Get to know the Olympique Lyonnais Stadium

First-team

5 hours ago

Crystal Palace will make the trip to France next month for our second UEFA Europa League league-phase fixture, with Olympique Lyonnais’ Groupama Stadium providing the setting for another European night.

The Eagles will face Lyon on Thursday, 15th October, with kick-off scheduled for 17:45 BST, having opened their European campaign with a 4-0 victory over Lech Poznań at Selhurst Park.

After winning the UEFA Conference League in May – the first European trophy in the Club’s history – Palace qualified automatically for the Europa League league phase.

The 36-team league phase sees the top eight sides qualify directly for the last 16, while teams finishing between ninth and 24th enter the knockout phase play-offs.

But before Palace take to the pitch, let’s take a closer look at the stadium that will host the Eagles...

From Gerland to Groupama Stadium

Groupama Stadium, also known as Parc Olympique Lyonnais or Parc OL, opened its doors in January 2016 as the new home of Olympique Lyonnais.

The stadium replaced Lyon’s former home, Stade de Gerland, where the club had played since 1950.

Plans for a new stadium had been in place for several years, but the project received a major boost when France was awarded Euro 2016 and Lyon was selected as one of the host cities.

Construction began in 2012, with the new stadium eventually opening on 9th January 2016, when Lyon welcomed Troyes in Ligue 1.

The hosts ran out 4-1 winners, with Alexandre Lacazette scoring the first goal at their new home.

Today, the stadium has an official capacity of 59,186, making it one of the largest football grounds in France.

It was known as Parc Olympique Lyonnais when it opened, before becoming Groupama Stadium in 2017 following a naming-rights agreement with French insurance company Groupama.

A stage for major occasions

Groupama Stadium was designed to host much more than domestic football, and it quickly established itself as one of France’s leading sporting venues.

During Euro 2016, it hosted six matches, including France’s 2-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland in the last 16 and Portugal’s 2-0 semi-final win over Wales.

Two years later, the stadium welcomed another major European occasion when it hosted the 2018 UEFA Europa League final between Marseille and Atlético Madrid.

The venue has also played host to the biggest stage in women’s football, with the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup final taking place in Lyon.

Its versatility extends beyond football, too. Groupama Stadium has staged major rugby fixtures, including the 2016 European Rugby Champions Cup final and matches during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, while some of the world’s biggest artists have also performed there.

More than just a football ground

The stadium forms the centrepiece of a wider development in Décines-Charpieu, around 10 kilometres east of Lyon city centre.

Alongside the 59,000-capacity stadium, the complex includes Olympique Lyonnais’ training facilities, hotels, offices and other infrastructure.

Its construction also brought significant investment to the surrounding area, transforming the eastern edge of Lyon into a major sporting and entertainment destination.

And, with its modern design and striking roof structure, the stadium was built with the aim of creating an experience that extended beyond the football itself.

For supporters inside, the steeply tiered stands bring fans close to the action, while the enclosed design helps generate an imposing atmosphere on big matchdays.

The home of Olympique Lyonnais

Groupama Stadium has been home to Olympique Lyonnais since 2016, continuing the club’s long association with the city.

Founded in 1950, Lyon are one of France’s most successful clubs, having won seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles between 2002 and 2008.

The club has also enjoyed considerable success in Europe, while its women’s team has established itself as one of the most decorated sides in the history of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Now, Palace will make their first competitive visit to the club’s new home.

Welcome to Lyon

France’s third-largest city, Lyon sits at the meeting point of the Rhône and Saône rivers and is renowned for its rich history, architecture and food.

The city’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with landmarks including the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Vieux Lyon and the distinctive Presqu’île district.

Lyon is also regarded as France’s gastronomic capital, with traditional bouchons serving local specialities across the city.

For Palace supporters making the trip, there will be plenty to discover before heading east towards Décines-Charpieu and Groupama Stadium.

And with the Eagles set to experience the venue for the first time, another chapter of Palace’s European adventure awaits...

Match Details

Olympique Lyonnais v Crystal Palace

Thursday, 15th October
17:45 BST UK time / 18:45 local time
Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France
UEFA Europa League

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