Dezeen Magazine

Six key stadiums hosting the Euro 2016 championship games

With the Euro football championship now underway, we've collected together everything you need to know about six of the tournament's key venues, including a new stadium by Herzog & de Meuron.


Stade de Bordeaux by Herzog & de Meuron

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The Bordeaux stadium comprises a sharp-edged rectangular roof supported by hundreds of slim white columns. It was completed last year by Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron, who previously designed the "Bird's Nest" Olympic stadium in Beijing.

The first match to take place in the 42,000 capacity stadium was Wales v Slovakia on Saturday, with Wales winning 2-1. Austria will play Hungary there on 14 June, followed by Belgium v Republic of Ireland (18 June), Croatia v Spain (21 June) and the third quarter-final on 2 July. Read more about Stade de Bordeaux »


Stade de Nice by Wilmotte & Associés SA

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Also known as the Allianz Riviera, Nice's multi-purpose 36,000-seat stadium began construction in 2011 after France was awarded the Euro 2016 tournament. The undulating structure features a large wooden trellis and transparent facade, and uses geothermal energy to heat and cool itself. It was designed by French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, of Wilmotte & Associés SA, which is currently overseeing a major renovation of the Gare du Nord station in Paris.

Yesterday, Poland beat Northern Ireland 1-0 here. Spain will play Turkey on 17 June in this stadium, followed by Sweden v Belgium (22 June) and a further match on 27 June.


Grand Stade de Lyon by Populous

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Photograph by Laurent Shen

Lyon's stadium was completed in January 2016, making it the newest building on this list. A triangulated roof extends over the public spaces surrounding the building, designed by architecture studio Populous to amplify the noise of the 59,000 fans inside. The firm is known for designing major international sports venues – it recently revealed a stadium design for San Diego Chargers American football team.

The first match taking place here will be Belgium v Italy tonight, followed by Ukraine v Northern Ireland (16 June), Romania v Albania (19 June), Hungary v Portugal (22 June), one of the last 16 matches (26 June) and the first semi-final (6 July).


Stade Vélodrome by SCAU

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Photograph courtesy of François Schwarz

Famously open to the elements in the past, Marseille's newly-renovated stadium now includes an undulating web-like roof, enveloping the structure and sheltering crowds for the first time. Paris firm SCAU – who have previously worked on the Grand Louvre and the Hôpital Georges Pompidou – were also tasked with increasing the capacity from 60,000 to 67,000 spectators and developing the surrounding area into a new cultural district for Marseille.

England tied with Russia here on Saturday. Upcoming matches include France v Albania (15 June), Iceland v Hungary (18 June), Ukraine v Poland (21 June), the first quarter final (30 June) and the second semi-final (7 July).


Stade Pierre Mauroy by Valode & Pistre and Atelier Ferret Architectures

Photograph by Olivier Duquesne
Photograph by Olivier Duquesne

Lille's 50,000-capacity stadium features a wire-mesh facade that reflects direct sunlight and a retractable roof that can open or close in only 30 minutes. It was completed in 2012 by French studio Atelier Ferret Architectures. Half of the pitch can be raised and inserted directly over the other half to create a smaller, more focused space. Other notable sports venues by the studio include the Bollaert-Delelis stadium in Lens, France, and the Spiral stadium in Africa.

Germany played Ukraine here on Saturday, winning 2-0. Russia will play Slovakia on 15 June, followed by Switzerland v France (19 June), Italy v Republic of Ireland (22 June), last 16 (22 June) and the second quarter-final on 1 July.


Stade de France by SCAU

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Photograph by F Aguilhon

France's national stadium was originally built for the 1998 World Cup and is the second SCAU-designed structure on our Euro 2016 list – as well as the biggest, seating 80,000 spectators. Its distinctive roof is designed to look like it is floating above the structure, but is actually supported by 18 steel masts to protect spectators while leaving the pitch uncovered.

The first match of the season took place here, with France beating Romania 2-1. Republic of Ireland will play Sweden tonight, followed by Germany v Poland (16 June), Iceland v Austria, (22 June), last 16 (27 June), the fourth quarter-final (3 July) and the final (10 July).