History and description

It is the largest stadium in France and has a seating capacity of 67,500. The stadium was built on the site of the former Saint-Michel Stadium, which was demolished in order to make way for the new structure. The Allianz Riviera, also known as Grand Stade de Nice, opened recently to much fanfare. With a seating capacity of 67,500 and standing room for an additional 20,000 spectators, it is the largest stadium in France. Built on the site of former Saint-Michel Stadium which was demolished to make way for the new structure, many are excited to see what this new venue will bring to OGC Nice and French football as a whole. A new stadium to replace their old and rundown Stade du Ray had been a long time wish of Nice. Earlier projects were abandoned in 2002 and 2006, and it was only after France got awarded the Euro 2016 tournament that significant progress was made.

Plans for a new stadium were presented in the middle of 2010, and construction started a year later, in August 2011. The stadium cost an estimated ?245 million and was both publicly and privately financed. In 2012, Nice announced a naming rights deal with Allianz insurance firm, resulting in the name Allianz Riviera.

The Allianz Riviera officially opened on September 22, 2013 with a league match between Nice and Valenciennes (4-0).

The stadium hosted three first round group matches and the round of 16 match between Iceland and England during the Euro 2016 Championships.

How to get to Allianz Riviera

The Allianz Riviera is located in the western suburbs of the city of Nice at a distance of 10 km from Nice's city centre and 5 km from Nice International airport. The stadium lies on the A8 motorway, which runs north of the city of Nice. The exit 52 that leads to the stadium is easily accessed, but other parking areas are easier accessed via exit 51.

From there, follow the D427 until you reach Parc du Château d'If. If coming from central Nice, it is easier to take the Route de Grenoble north from the Promenade des Anglais near Nice International Airport. From there, follow the D427 north until you reach Parc du Château d'If.

Can you reach the stadium with special matchday bus service 95 from Hôpital St Roch in Nice?s city centre? The journey takes about 50 minutes. The route of regular line 9/10 is furthermore extended so that it serves the stadium, though the journey takes about 75 minutes.

You can take a TER train from the Nice-Ville main rail station to the St Augustin station, from where shuttle buses run to the stadium.

If you're staying in Nice, buses #5 and #7 will take you to the station. The Chemins de Fer de Provence commuter train can take you to Digne and then walk down to the Allianz Riviera. Trains run a few times each day, but extra trains run on event days. The rail station for the Chemins de Fer de Provence is located a ten-minute walk north of Nice-Ville station. If you're staying in Nice, buses 5 and 7 will take you there.

Address: Boulevard des Jardiniers , 06206 Nice

Eat, drink, and sleep near Allianz Riviera

The Allianz Riviera is located in Nice, a semi-rural area which is a mix of farmlands, housing, and some offices and light industry. There is not much around in terms of entertainment, though if you have some time to spare and need something to eat or drink, you will find a few places around rail station Saint-Isidore. Otherwise, eating and drinking is better done in central Nice. There are two hotels near the Allianz Riviera - both of them in the vicinity of Saint-Isidore. The Servitel Nice Saint Isidore receives better reviews, while the Kyriad Nice is a little more affordable. Both are a 10-minute walk away from the Allianz Riviera and will likely most appeal to those arriving by car.

Otherwise, there are various options near Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, which is not too far away and close to St Augustin station from where shuttles buses run to the stadium. Most people, however, will choose to stay in Nice's pleasant city centre.

Nice Tickets

Tickets for Nice games can be bought online through the official website and at the club store in the city centre. They can also be purchased at Francebillet and Ticketmaster sales outlets. Prices for tickets to games vary depending on the opponent, but typically range from $10.00 for a seat behind the goal to $50.00 for a central seat at the main stand.

Relevant Internet links

The official website of Ogcnice.com, the Allianz Riviera.fr website, Nicetourisme.com website, and Lignesdazur.com website provide information on Nice's public transport system. I reached the level of Kilimand?aro and then most of the time there was no pavement to walk on. The ground and city are very nice, especially when the Westberg is good. My ticket was bought online and printed at home.

I reached the level of Kilimandaro and then most of the time there was no pavement to walk on. The ground and city are very nice, especially when the Westberg is good. My ticket was bought online and printed at home.