Built in 1937 and inaugurated on 12 June 1938 for the football World Cup, it was the first stadium on the planet to boast stands that were entirely protected without any pillars blocking its spectators’ line of vision. The building’s forms, curves and original architecture led to its classification among the French Historical Monuments. Another original feature and hallmark of the arena is the long tunnel (nearly 120 m - almost 400 ft) that connects the athletes’ changing-rooms to the pitch.
Originally encircled by a velodrome that was removed in 1987, the pitch is first and foremost the showground of the mighty Girondins de Bordeaux football team, five-time national champions. But it is also well-appreciated by the Gallic rugby crowd, as several French tournament finals have been contested there since 1955.
Renovated and expanded for the 1998 football World Cup - it now seats 34,088 - the stadium will celebrate its 70th birthday during the rugby World Cup. Four matches have been scheduled: Ireland v Namibia (9 September), Ireland v Georgia (15 September), Canada v Japan (25 September) and Canada v Australia (29 September).
